S4C highlights disagreement over Eisteddfod's motto

* The headline on the story about the Eisteddfod's motto.

A story on S4C TV's news website says Llangollen Eisteddfod has "discredited" itself by expressing the intention to change its motto, according to a letter from a number of opponents.

The full story, which appears in the Welsh language, says: 'The letter from Professor Gruffydd Aled Williams and others calls on the Eisteddfod to "refrain from any further action in terms of removing the motto" and that doing so shows a lack of "respect" for the Welsh language.

In a statement earlier in the month the Eisteddfod said that the motto "A white world will be a singing world. His poems will be civilized" will be changed by 2024.

There were concerns that part of the motto that celebrates "byd gwyn" was translated to "white world" in English. 

But the letter writers said they "absolutely reject the basis of this argument.

"Many expressions from many languages of the world could cause offense to different factions if they are translated literally and incorrectly without considering the proper methods and traditional practices of the languages from which they were translated," said the letter.

"We do not know of examples of languages where its speakers agreed to renounce the use of completely innocent and acceptable expressions because of the possibility that their literal and inadequate translation could offend someone somewhere.

"It seems, however, that the International Eisteddfod wants to make an exception for the Welsh language in this regard, subduing and degrading it compared to other languages.

"We are sorry that this case, motivated by ignorance and misunderstanding, has discredited the Eisteddfod and made it a laughing stock."

When asked on S4C News he added that he would "very much hope that no poet worth his salt would receive a commission" to create a new motto.

"This decision stems from gross ignorance of the cultural situation in Wales, and it is actually a serious cultural threat," he said.

"I wish the Eisteddfod well, but they have taken a particularly, particularly unfortunate, empty step."

Asked for a response by llanblogger, the Eisteddfod commented: "T. Gwynn Jones’ words have travelled from Llangollen around the world, spreading the Welsh message of peace, and our motto has served us tremendously well for 75 years; we are rightly proud of it in its intended meaning and translation. 

"Our current motto and much-loved shield will remain part of the Eisteddfod’s visual identity in 2023, and the Board will spend the next 5 months in consultation with our stakeholders on the best way forward for 2024 and beyond.

 

"We want to clearly state that we have not at any point implied any racism. The Eisteddfod is, and has always been, a beacon for togetherness."

And from a further update provided to volunteers and company members 23 March, the Eisteddfod added: "The Board fully recognises the original intention of the poetry, and values its significance in the Eisteddfod’s history, as well as its place in Welsh culture and tradition. The motto, which surrounds the shield, will continue to be used in 2023, on trophies, medals, on the Pavilion stage, and around the site.

"The Board is committed to involving volunteers and company members in the future decision making around the motto, following the 2023 Eisteddfod."