Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011
The Welsh Language Measure gives the Welsh language official status in Wales. This means that Welsh should be treated no less favourably than the English language. The Measure also grants Welsh speakers the right to receive services in Welsh. When the Measure was passed, the office of the Welsh Language Commissioner was established to promote the use of the Welsh language. The Commissioner also has a responsibility to ensure that the statutory requirements of the Measure are implemented, in accordance with a specific set of Standards.
Here is a short film by the Welsh Language Commissioner explaining the Measure.
Welsh Language Standards
Some organisations in Wales are subject to language standards set out in the Measure. This means that they have to fulfil and comply with certain language obligations.
Does your organisation need to comply with Standards?
To see if your organisation is named in the Measure as one which must comply with standards email post@cyg-wlc.cymru.
If you are an organisation named in the Measure, you will need to carry out your duties in a way which complies with language standards. Contact the Welsh Language Commissioner's office for help and information on this by emailing post@cyg-wlc.cymru.
Welsh Government requirements
The Welsh Government has set a goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050 and to increase the use of the language.
In this video the Welsh Government explains its Welsh Language Strategy.
The Government considers that the Arts Sector has a key role to play in achieving this ambition:
- One of the Government's strategic aims is to ensure that the 'Welsh language is safeguarded as an integral part of our contemporary culture'. (Welsh Government, Strategy 2050, p.66)
- The Government also considers it important to provide a platform for activities in Welsh as well as promoting and increasing the use of the Welsh language. The Government wants to "see and hear Welsh become more prevalent in popular culture in all its art forms, in literature, theatre, film and television." (Welsh Government, Strategy 2050, p.64)
Read the Welsh Government's Welsh language strategy 2050 in full here.
Arts Council of Wales
Wales is a bilingual nation – legislatively, socially and culturally. Nothing makes Wales more distinctive than the Welsh language.
We, as the Arts Council of Wales, are committed to developing and promoting the arts in Welsh and through the medium of Welsh. We believe that everyone has the right to explore their own culture and their own creativity through the language of their choice, whether as a user, participant or artist.
‘The Welsh language is a treasure.' But it is not something to be locked away and displayed at a distance. The language must also be our favourite toy, something to be held, felt, and carried with us everywhere. A large part of the Council's work is therefore to create opportunities for artists from all backgrounds to be creative through the medium of Welsh and to give people from all over Wales and the world the opportunity to enjoy the creativity of the Welsh language. Yes, it is a treasure, like an old family jug, but it is the Council's job to remove the jug from the dresser and hand it to our children, for them to play with.
Under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, all public bodies must treat the Welsh and English languages equally. This is how we comply with this commitment.
In addition, we publish Annual Reports on the Welsh Language. These reports contain information on our performance in relation to our objectives, requirements and ambitions for the Welsh language.
Useful links:
Welsh Government and the Welsh Language: https://gov.wales/welsh-language
Welsh Language Commissioner: https://www.comisiynyddygymraeg.cymru/ or email post@cyg-wlc.cymru.