It's Wales: The Welsh Language

Disgrifiad Cymraeg / Welsh Description

Astudiaeth fer o'r iaith Gymraeg o'i gwreiddiau Celtaidd hyd at ei defnydd a'i statws presennol. Argraffiad newydd.

Disgrifiad Saesneg / English Description

A brief history of the Welsh language from its Celtic origin to its present use and status. The fascinating story of Welsh from its earliest beginnings to the present day, giving the reader an insight into the development of Britain's oldest surviving living language. New edition.

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Adolygiad y Cyhoeddwr / Publisher Review

The Rise and Fall of the Welsh Language The well-known author and language tutor, Cennard Davies, has released a new edition of his book The Welsh Language , to include recent developments such as the disappointing results of the 2011 census and the appointment of the Welsh Language Commissioner. “Since the beginning of the last century, the number and percentage of Welsh speakers have decreased in each consecutive census,” says Cennard Davies, who hails from Treorci, Rhondda. “Even though the 2001 census bucked the trend by showing an increase, this proved to be a false dawn as it was then followed by a 1.8% decline in 2011. “Saying this, Welsh is certainly more visible than ever before – in shops, on public signage and in advertising,” notes the author. “Its status in the field of education and public life has been enhanced, and the Welsh Language Board deserves due praise for this. “Although Welsh has been traditionally associated with rural areas, most speakers of the language now dwell in urban settlements. Wales’s largest cities, Cardiff and Swansea, have substantial Welsh-speaking populations. By 2011 the capital had more Welsh-speakers than Ceredigion county, with almost 50% of these aged between 15–44 years.” The future of what is probably Europe’s oldest living language, however, still remains unclear. “Although steps to secure status and recognition for the language over past decades have met with some success, the problem of sustaining vibrant Welsh-speaking rural communities remains unsolved, exacerbating out-migration of the young and inevitably leading to language loss. “As a result, the future of the language remains uncertain and the 2011 census returns showed that much work remains to be done to ensure the survival of Welsh as a living community language. Everyone wishes to see the Welsh Language Commissioner succeed in her mission, but we shall have to wait some time before we can accurately measure its effectiveness at community level.” Presented in short chapters full of facts and figures, The Welsh Language tells the fascinating story of Britain’s oldest living language, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. There’s the history of Welsh on television, in print and on the radio, an introduction to the National Eisteddfod, the growth of Welsh-medium schools, a look at the dialects of Wales and plenty more besides.