Wales as a country has its own native language and Welsh is one of the oldest languages in Europe.While it may be one of the oldest, Welsh is a living language, one that adapts, meeting the needs of those who speak it. The Welsh Language Act 1993 places Welsh on an equal footing with English for the first time since The Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542.
The 1911 census recorded that 43.5% of the population spoke Welsh and that for the first time in nearly 2,000 years it had become the minority language in its’ own country and current estimates show that in 2020 this had fallen to 28.8%. With an estimated 434,655 children aged 3 -16 living in Wales (ONS) children are the current and future generation of Welsh speakers. In some areas of Wales 95% of children aged 3-16, come from non-Welsh speaking homesand an estimated 93,000 children access the Welsh language through primary and secondary schools. Allowing children from non-Welsh speaking homes to hear and ‘catch’ Welsh enables them to become bilingual.
‘Young people pick up language so easily. Language is acquired unwittingly, subconsciously… Young children learn languages as naturally as they learn to run and jump, paint and play.’ (A parents’ and Teachers’ guide to Bilingualism, Professor Colin Baker)
Out of School Childcare Clubs provide children with opportunities to play with the understanding that Play is intrinsically motivated and freely directed by children, embedding the Welsh language, even on basic understanding / incidental level within play gives children the ability not only to access play in their preferred language but also a way to ‘catch’ the language in a fun way.
‘Young children are not worried by language mistakes nor about finding the exact word. They are only interested in getting their message across and receiving and needing information… language among young children is caught rather that taught.’ (A parents’ and Teachers’ guide to Bilingualism, Professor Colin Baker)
This highlights the importance that the childcare and Playwork sector play in increasing the use of the Welsh language, to actively assist in the preservation of the Welsh language and culture for future generations. The Welsh Government’s ambition is to see the number of people able to enjoy speaking and using the Welsh language reach a million by 2050. This is certainly a challenging ambition but a challenge that is worthwhile and necessary to secure the vitality of the language. It is down to us as a nation to be a part of this journey. By allowing yourself to acknowledge and appreciate the worth and value of the Welsh language to our culture and communities you will be helping to increase the use of Welsh in many ways.
The barrier for most when learning any language is the confidence of the adults. When learning a language, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s ok to get things wrong, it’s ok if a mutation is missed, it’s ok if the pronunciation isn’t a 100%, what matters is giving it a go and giving yourself opportunities to practice confidently.
Many of you are very likely to have given Welsh a go and have been faced with challenges or a knock to your confidence in the past, but please remember the age-old Welsh saying that there’ll always be ‘tri chynnig I Gymro’ (three attempts for a Welshman) so say something (again) in Cymraeg today.
‘... this language is yours and it is mine. Often your nemesis, but always your friend. So, do it. Learn it. Share it.’ (Stephen Rule 2020, Welsh and I)
Are you ready for the challenge?
For tips and ideas to help you get started read our 10 Ways to Increase the Use of the Welsh Language in your Out of School Setting resource here...
Learning a language or trying something new is always a daunting task but it can be, and should be, lots of fun! Taking the first step and giving it a go is better than never trying at all. By learning as a Setting, staff, children, parents and communities can all help one another, support and encourage each other. Here are some Welsh awareness and celebratory days that may help you to get started:
Some Useful Dates for your Diary: |
January 25th – St Dwynwen’s Day |
February 5th - Welsh Language Music Day |
March 1st – St David’s Day |
May 14th – International Dylan Thomas Day |
August – National Eisteddfod |
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