Welsh language

1588 First Welsh Bible

Map o ieithoedd Cymru (A map of the languages of Wales) - 1750

Map o ieithoedd Cymru (A map of the languages of Wales) - 1800

Map o ieithoedd Cymru (A map of the languages of Wales) - 1850

Map o ieithoedd Cymru (A map of the languages of Wales) - 1900

Welsh language (Cymraeg or y Gymraeg) is a Celtic language spoken natively in Wales (Cymru), by some in England near the Welsh border, and in the Welsh expatriate communities. Welsh is one of the Brythonic languages, which also includes Breton and Cornish. It is the language of the Welsh people and holds a fundamental place in Welsh culture and identity.

History

The history of the Welsh language spans over 1500 years, originating from the Brittonic spoken by the ancient Celtic Britons. It has evolved through several stages, from Old Welsh (9th to 11th centuries) to Middle Welsh (12th to 14th centuries), and then to Modern Welsh, which is divided into Early Modern Welsh and Late Modern Welsh. The Welsh language played a crucial role in the preservation of national identity, especially during periods of English dominance.

Status

Welsh is officially recognized in Wales, thanks to the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Government of Wales Act 1998, which mandate the provision of services in Welsh. The Welsh Government has implemented policies to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh in public and private life. According to the 2011 Census, approximately 19% of the population in Wales can speak Welsh, with efforts ongoing to increase this through education and public initiatives.

Education

Welsh is taught in schools as either a first or second language. The Welsh Government has set ambitious targets to increase the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050. This initiative, known as Cymraeg 2050, aims to strengthen Welsh language education, from early childhood through to adult learning.

Literature and Media

Welsh has a rich literary tradition, from the ancient Mabinogion to contemporary literature. The Eisteddfod, a festival of Welsh literature, music, and performance, plays a significant role in promoting the language and its culture. Welsh media, including television (S4C), radio, and online platforms, provide content in Welsh, contributing to the language's vitality.

Dialects

There are several dialects of Welsh, generally categorized into Northern, Southern, and Southwestern varieties. These dialects exhibit differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Despite these differences, speakers from different areas can understand each other.

Phonology and Grammar

Welsh phonology is characterized by its use of initial consonant mutations, a feature it shares with other Celtic languages. The grammar of Welsh is notable for its use of verb-subject-object (VSO) word order, gendered nouns, and the absence of indefinite articles.

Revitalization

Efforts to revitalize the Welsh language include government initiatives, community programs, and the use of technology to promote language learning. These efforts aim to increase the visibility and use of Welsh in everyday life, ensuring its survival for future generations.

See Also

• Celtic Revival
• Language revival
• Welsh literature