County orders Welsh language audit

The county council has commissioned an audit on the Welsh Language situation in Denbighshire communities and wants to hear ideas from people on how the language can be enhanced and promoted over the coming years.
    

The council has commissioned Sbectrwm to undertake the review and to consult with key individuals, organisations and institutions.

    

Three meetings, arranged in conjunction with Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, will be held on the following dates:

   

21 January 2014 - Corwen Sports Pavilion (7.00 p.m)
- Sports Pavilion (7.00 p.m)

22 January 2014 - Scala Arts Centre, Prestatyn (7.00 p.m)

- Scala Arts Centre, (7.00 p.m)

23 January 2014 - Denbigh Town Hall (7.00 p.m)

- Town Hall (7.00 p.m)
- Sports Pavilion (7.00 p.m)
   
Hywyn Williams, Corporate Director - Communities, Denbighshire County Council, said: "The Council commissioned the audit for a number of reasons. The Welsh language is a subject of debate nationally and the proposed Welsh Language Standards are expected to come into effect in around a year's time.

"There has been a decline in the number of Welsh speakers in the county, which reflects the national position and we are keen to see an increase by the next census. The Council was also very eager to build on the interest in the Welsh language and culture following the tremendous success of the National Eisteddfod held in our county this year."
    

Cefin Campbell from Sbectrwm, said: "The main purpose of the meetings will be to consider the current state of the Welsh language in Denbighshire and invite ideas on how to revitalise the language in future. The intention is to look at many different sectors, for example – education, children and young people, Welsh learners, sports and leisure, business, planning, community activities and the use of Welsh in the workplace."

    

John Glyn Jones, Chairman of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, said: "This is an open meeting for all those interested in the future of the language. Non-Welsh speakers are particularly welcome as there will be simultaneous translation facilities available on the evening to allow everyone to participate fully in the discussions.

   

"I hope that you will be able to attend one of the above meetings as your contribution to discussions on the language and how we can further promote the Welsh language in our community would be greatly appreciated."

    

For more information, call Sbectrwm on 01558 668663 or Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych on 01745 812822. Or by e.mail to cefin@sbectrwm.com| or ruth@menterdinbych.org|