LANGUAGE PLANNING

Language Planning in Wales

Language planning in Wales

Introduction

The number of bilingual and multilingual communities and workplaces is on the rise, and language planning is a field of growing importance. For this reason, there is an increased demand for individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to put in place effective strategies and systems that promote linguistic equality. As considering 'language' becomes a priority for many fields - development, planning, education, health, IT, marketing - staff in a wide range of professions require an understanding of and skills in language planning. Furthermore, in Wales, the proposed new Welsh language legislation has the potential to further increase the demand for qualified personnel to address language-related issues and also to create new and different demands. Discussion and Analysis

Sustained campaigning by bodies such as Cymdeithas Yr Iaith Gymraeg eventually led to the passing of the 1993 Welsh Language Act.4 Under the terms of the Act, Welsh and English were to be treated “on a basis of equality” in public sector institutions in Wales. This Act represented a major step forward in policy-making with regard to the Welsh language, though it is important to note that its scope did not extend to the private or the voluntary sectors. The body charged with overseeing the implementation of this Act was the Welsh Language Board. All public sector bodies, including schools and LEAs, are now required to submit Welsh language schemes to the Board indicating how they plan to treat Welsh “on a basis of equality” with English. The Board has a department that deals specifically with the advancement of Welsh-medium and bilingual education. The last major development that we touch on here is the one that has the potential to bring about the greatest changes in the status of the Welsh language.

In the ...