Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Wales and the Welsh Language: Setting the Context

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
New Geographies of Language

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Minority Languages and Communities ((PSMLC))

Abstract

Our aim in this chapter is to provide the reader with a thorough introduction to the specific case on which the discussion of this book centres, that of the Welsh language in Wales. First, we focus on the issue of language ability, a theme that has been a long-running concern for activitists, politicians and academics alike. We draw on data from the decennial censuses, as well as other relevant historical, geographical and sociological literatures, in order to analyse and explain key changes with regard to the numbers and percentages able to speak Welsh, as well as changes in their geographical distribution across Wales, their distribution across age groups, and also in the manner in which they acquire the language. We then switch to focus on the issue of language use, a theme that has grown in significance in recent years. Finally, we turn to consider the various legislative and public policy initiatives introduced during the twentieth century, by central, regional and local government, with the aim of promoting the prospects of the Welsh language.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aitchison, J. W., & Carter, H. (1987). The Welsh Language in Cardiff: A Quiet Revolution. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 12, 482–492.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aitchison, J. W., & Carter, H. (1999). The Regeneration of the Welsh Language: An Analysis. Contemporary Wales, 11, 167–185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aitchison, J. W., & Carter, H. (2000a). The Welsh Language 1921–1991: A Geolinguistic Perspective. In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 27–106). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aitchison, J. W., & Carter, H. (2000b). Language, Economy and Society: The Changing Fortunes of the Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aitchison, J. W., Carter, H., & Rogers, D. (1989). In-Migration and the Welsh Language: A Case Study of Tregaron and Its Region. Aberystwyth: Rural Surveys Research Unit, Department of Geography, University Collage Wales.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, C., & Jones, M. P. (2000). Welsh Language Education: A Strategy for Revitalization. In C. H. Williams (Ed.), Language Revitalization: Policy and Planning in Wales (pp. 116–137). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baines, D. (1985). Migration in a Mature Economy: Emigration and Internal Migration in England and Wales 1861–1900. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • BBC Cymru. (2012). Her i siarad yr iaith tu allan i’r ysgol yn ôl Prif Weinidog Cymru. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cymrufyw/20639239. Accessed 12 July 2017.

  • Beaufort Research. (2013). Exploring Welsh Speakers’ Language Use in Their Daily Lives. Cardiff: Beaufort Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaufort Research. (2015). Local Authority Welsh Language Services. Cardiff: Beaufort Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blackaby, D., Murphey, P., O’Leary, N., & Thomas, E. (1995). Wales: An Economic Survey. Contemporary Wales, 8, 236–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowen, E. G. (1959). Le Pays de Galles. Transactions and Papers of the Institute of British Geographers, 26, 1–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, H. (1990). Dirywiad yr iaith Gymraeg yn yr ugeinfed ganrif. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), Cof Cenedl V: Ysgrifau ar Hanes Cymru (pp. 147–176). Llandysul: Gomer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Citizens Advice Bureau. (2015). English by Default: Understanding the Use and Non-use of Welsh Language Services. Cardiff: Citizens Advice Bureau.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cloke, P., Goodwin, M., & Milbourne, P. (1995). “There’s so Many Strangers in the Village Now”: Marginalization and Change in 1990s Welsh Rural Life-Styles. Contemporary Wales, 8, 47–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. (1985). S4C: Pwy dalodd amdani? Aberystwyth: Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. (2005). Deddf Iaith Newydd: Dyma’r Cyfle. Aberystwyth: Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. (2017). Strategaeth Iaith: dim twf digonol mewn addysg Gymraeg i gyrraedd y miliwn. Available at: http://cymdeithas.cymru/newyddion/strategaeth-iaith-dim-twf-digonol-mewn-addysg-gymraeg-i-gyrraedd-y-filiwn. Accessed 12 December 2017.

  • Dafis, L1. (1992). The Lesser Used Languages: Assimilating Newcomers. Carmarthen: Joint Working Party on Bilingualism in Dyfed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, G. P. (2000). The Legal Status of the Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century. In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 207–238). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, John. (1993). A History of Wales. London: Allan Lane.

    Google Scholar 

  • Day, G. (1989). A Million on the Move. Contemporary Wales, 3, 137–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, H. T. (1987). Y Gymraeg yn y bedwaredd ganrif ar bymtheg. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), Cof Cenedl II: Ysgrifau ar Hanes Cymru (pp. 119–151). Gomer: Llandysul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, W. G. (2000). The British State and Welsh-Language Education 1914–1991. In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 331–356). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, A., Tanner, D., & Carlin, P. (2011). The Conservative Governments and the Development of Welsh Language Policy in the 1980s and 1990s. The Historical Journal, 54, 529–551.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Golwg360. (2017). Athro Prifysgol yn amheus o’r miliwn. Available at: http://golwg360.cymru/newyddion/cymru/269429-clip-sain-athro-prifysgol-yn-amheus-or-miliwn. Accessed July 2017.

  • Jenkins, G. H. (1997). Introduction. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), The Welsh Language Before the Industrial Revolution (pp. 1–13). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, G. H. (1998). Introduction. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), Language and Community in the Nineteenth Century (pp. 1–20). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, G. H. (2007). A Concise History of Wales. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, G. H., & Williams, M. A. (2000). The Fortunes of the Welsh Language 1900–2000. In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 1–26). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, G. H., Suggett, R., & Whyte, E. M. (1997). The Welsh Language in Early Modern Wales. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), The Welsh Language Before the Industrial Revolution (pp. 45–120). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, D. (1998). Statistical Evidence Relating to the Welsh Language 1801–1911. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, G. E. (2000). The Welsh Language in the Blue Books of 1847. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), The Welsh Language and Its Social Domains 1801–1911 (pp. 431–457). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, H. M. (2007). Goblygiadau newid ym mhroffil oedran siaradwyr Cymraeg. Gwerddon, 1, 12–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, H. M. (2012). A Statistical Overview of the Welsh Language. Cardiff: Welsh Language Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, P. N. (1998). The Welsh Language in the Valleys of Glamorgan 1800–1914. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), Language and Community in the Nineteenth Century (pp. 147–180). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R., & Fowler, C. (2008). Placing the Nation: Aberystwyth and the Reproduction of Welsh Nationalism. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, H., & Royles, E. (2017). Taro’r cydbwysedd yn iawn: cloriannu cynigion Papur Gwyn Llywodraeth Cymru (Centre for Welsh Politics and Society, Aberystwyth). Available at: http://cwps.aber.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Adroddiad-Seminar-Bil-y-Gymraeg-TERFYNOL.pdf.

  • Lewis, S. (2012 [1962]). Tynged yr Iaith. Llandysul: Gomer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Löffler, M. (2000a). The Welsh Language Movement in the First Half of the Twentieth Century: An Exercise in Quiet Revolutions. In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 173–205). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Löffler, M. (2000b). The Welsh Language Movement and Bilingualism: What Can Local Organizations Achieve? In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 473–506). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luchinskaya, D., Ogle, J., Trickey, M., Poole, E. G., & Ifan, G. (2017). Welsh Government Budgetary Trade-offs: Looking Forward to 2021–22. Cardiff: Wales Public Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mac Giolla Chríost, D. (2016). The Welsh Language Commissioner in Context: Roles, Methods and Relationships. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mac Giolla Chríost, D. (2017). Tilting at Linguistic Windmills—A Million Welsh Speakers. Democratic Audit. Available from: http://www.democraticaudit.com/2017/07/20/tilting-at-linguistic-windmills-a-million-welsh-speakers/. Accessed 13 July 2017.

  • Merriman, P., & Jones, R. (2009). Symbols of Justice’: The Welsh Language Society’s Campaign for Bilingual Road Signs in Wales, 1967–1980. Journal of Historical Geography, 35, 350–375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, C. (2004). Making Sense of Counterurbanization. Journal of Rural Studies, 20, 15–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, I. (2003). The Early Days of Welsh-Medium Schools. In I. W. Williams (Ed.), Our Children’s Language (pp. 21–44). Talybont: Y Lolfa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D. (1998). Trwy Ddulliau Chwyldro: Hanes Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg 1962–1992. Llandysul: Gwasg Gomer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D. (2000). The History of the Welsh Language Society 1962–1998. In G. H. Jenkins & M. A. Williams (Eds.), Let’s Do Our Best for the Ancient Tongue: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Century (pp. 463–490). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Redknap, C. (2006). Addysg Cyfrwng Cymraeg a Dwyieithog. Bangor: School of Education, Bangor University.

    Google Scholar 

  • RHAG. (2017). Ymlaen at y Miliwn: gweithredu nid geiriau, RHAG. Available at: http://www.rhag.net/hen/stori.php?iaith=cym&id=209. Accessed 13 July 2017.

  • Roberts, G. T. (1998). The Language of the Blue Books: The Perfect Instrument of Empire. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, P. R. (1997). Tudor Legislation and the Political Status of ‘the British Tongue’. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), The Welsh Language Before the Industrial Revolution (pp. 121–150). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smart, B. (2011). Post-industrial Society and Information Technology. In B. Smart (Ed.), Post-industrial Society. London: Sage.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Smith LlB. (1997). The Welsh Language Before 1536. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), The Welsh Language Before the Industrial Revolution (pp. 15–44). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, B. (1959). Wales and the Atlantic Economy. Scottish Journal of Political Economy, 6, 169–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, B. (1987). A Cauldron of Rebirth: Population and the Welsh Language in the Nineteenth Century. Welsh History Review, 13, 418–437.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, B. (2000). A Cauldron of Rebirth: Population and the Welsh Language in the Nineteenth Century. In G. H. Jenkins (Ed.), The Welsh Language and Its Social Domains 1801–1911 (pp. 81–99). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, H. S., & Williams, C. H. (Eds.). (2013). Parents, Personalities and Power: Welsh-Medium Schools in South-East Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, J. G. (1956). The Geographical Distribution of the Welsh Language. The Geographical Journal, 122, 71–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Government. (2003). Iaith Pawb: A National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales. Cardiff: Welsh Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Government. (2010). Strategy for Welsh Medium Education. Cardiff: Welsh Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Government. (2012). A Living Language: A Language for Living. Cardiff: Welsh Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Government. (2017a). Cymraeg 2050: A Million Speakers. Cardiff: Welsh Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Government. (2017b). Striking the Right Balance: Proposals for a Welsh Language Bill. Available at: https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2018-02/170807-consultation-document-en.pdf.

  • Welsh Government and Welsh Language Commissioner. (2015). Welsh language use in Wales. Cardiff: Welsh Government and Welsh Language Commissioner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Language Act. (1993). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1993/38/contents. Accessed 1 July 2017.

  • Welsh Language Board. (1995). Strategic Review. Cardiff: Welsh Language Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Language Board. (1996). A Strategy for the Welsh Language. Cardiff: Welsh Language Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Language Board. (2005). The Future of Welsh: A Strategic Plan. Cardiff: Welsh Language Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Language Board. (2008). Welsh Language Use Surveys 2004–06. Cardiff: Welsh Language Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Language Commissioner. (2016). The Position of the Welsh Language 2012–2015. Cardiff: Welsh Language Commissioner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh Language (Wales) Measure. (2011). Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/mwa/2011/1/contents. Accessed 1 July 2017.

  • Welsh Office. (1995). 1992 Welsh Social Survey: Report on the Welsh Language. Cardiff: Welsh Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (1980). Language Change in Wales 1901–1971: A Study in Historical Geolinguistics. Welsh History Review, 10, 207–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2000). On Recognition, Resolution and Revitalization. In C. H. Williams (Ed.), Language Revitalization: Policy and Planning in Wales (pp. 1–47). Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2004). Iaith Pawb: The Doctrine of Plenary Inclusion. Contemporary Wales, 19, 1–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2007). Deddfwriaeth Newydd a’r Gymraeg. Contemporary Wales, 19, 217–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2009). Foras na Gaeilge and Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg: Yoked but Not Yet Shackled. Irish Studies Review, 17, 55–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2013a). Minority Language Promotion, Protection and Regulation: The Mask of Piety. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2013b). Official Language Strategies in a Comparative Perspective. Cardiff: Network for the Promotion of Linguistic Diversity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2014). The Lighting Veil: Language Revitalization in Wales. Review of Research in Education, 38, 242–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. H. (2015). Cultural Rights and Democratization: Legislative Devolution and the Enactment of the Official Status of Welsh in Wales. In I. Urrutia, J. P. Massia, & X. Irujo (Eds.), Cultural Rights and Democratisation (pp. 183–203). Clermon-Ferrand: Institut Universitaire Varenne.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D. T. (1937). A Linguistic Map of Wales According to the 1931 Census. The Geographical Journal, 89, 146–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, G., & Morris, D. (2000). Language Planning and Language Use: Welsh in a Global Age. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyn Jones, R., & Scully, R. (2012). Wales Says Yes: Devolution and the 2011 Welsh Referendum. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK

    Rhys Jones

  2. Department of International Politics, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK

    Huw Lewis

Authors
  1. Rhys Jones
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Huw Lewis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rhys Jones .

Copyright information

© 2019 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Jones, R., Lewis, H. (2019). Wales and the Welsh Language: Setting the Context. In: New Geographies of Language. Palgrave Studies in Minority Languages and Communities. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-42611-6_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-42611-6_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-42610-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-42611-6

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation