The Welsh language is experiencing a notable revival, with an impressive 61% increase in the number of adults enrolling in Welsh learning courses since 2017. This surge reflects a growing interest among individuals in Wales and beyond, as they reconnect with their cultural heritage and the rich tapestry of the Welsh language.
A Shift in Perception
Elinor Staniforth, a 28-year-old from Cardiff, provides a compelling example of this trend. Initially disenchanted with her Welsh lessons at an English-medium school, her perspective shifted dramatically while studying at Oxford University. Surrounded by a predominantly English-speaking cohort, Staniforth felt a newfound awareness of her Welsh identity. “I suddenly became very aware of being Welsh,” she recounted. “It was as if a switch turned on while I was at uni. I realised I had missed out on something significant.”
After returning to Cardiff just before the pandemic, Staniforth took the initiative to learn Welsh through an online course. Her efforts culminated in her being named a finalist for the Cymraeg Learner of the Year award at the 2024 national Eisteddfod. Now a teacher, she emphasises the joy and community that adult Welsh classes can foster. “I found the classes for adults an amazing experience,” she said. “I made such good friends, discovered new bands and books, and wanted to give back.”
Growing Learner Base
Recent statistics from Y Canolfan Dysgu Cymraeg Genedlaethol, the National Centre for Learning Welsh, highlight the momentum of this language revival. The number of adult learners has surged by 12% over the past year, surpassing 20,000 for the first time. These figures come as a welcome relief in light of the latest report from the Welsh language commissioner, which revealed that while the number of Welsh speakers has remained stable for decades, it has not kept pace with population growth.
Efa Gruffudd Jones, the Welsh language commissioner, has previously stated that “bold and transformative” actions are essential for the Welsh government to achieve its ambitious target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. Dona Lewis, chief executive of Dysgu Cymraeg, expressed optimism regarding the current trends: “We are really pleased with the numbers; the statistics show consistent growth since we were established. There’s huge demand and we have a big contribution to make to the language in the future.”
A Diverse Community of Learners
The increasing popularity of Welsh courses is not confined to native Welsh speakers. Nearly 40% of participants are learning Welsh through their workplaces, particularly in sectors like the NHS and law enforcement. Notably, there has been a remarkable 56% increase in learners aged 16 to 24 in the past year. Furthermore, the ethnic diversity among learners has also grown, with 5% identifying as from diverse backgrounds, up from 1% the previous year.
Scott Gutteridge, a London-based actor with roots in Llanelli, has embraced this language renaissance. He describes the current climate as a “reclamation” of the Welsh language. “It’s a fantastic time to start learning Welsh,” he said. “There are so many resources available, and it feels like a fire that’s burning again.” Gutteridge’s passion for the language was ignited while working on a bilingual production of Romeo and Juliet, leading him to study Welsh in his spare time.
Gutteridge echoes Staniforth’s sentiments about the enriching experience of adult education. He fondly recalls a recent residential course at Nant Gwrtheyrn, a Welsh language heritage centre located on the Llŷn peninsula, describing it as “magical”. He believes that learning Welsh not only enhances intellectual capabilities but also nourishes the spirit.
Bridging the Divide
Despite this encouraging growth in adult learners, challenges remain. Staniforth points out a significant divide between school-based and adult Welsh education, particularly concerning the younger population. She notes that far more children are enrolled in English-medium schools than in Welsh-medium ones. “If you learn a language, you have to want to do it,” she emphasises. “Asking a child to learn a language they are not interested in will be challenging.”
She advocates for making Welsh learning enjoyable and engaging, as building a community is crucial for the language’s survival. The enthusiasm displayed by adult learners like Staniforth and Gutteridge may be key in bridging this gap and fostering a vibrant linguistic community.
Why it Matters
The revival of the Welsh language through adult education not only contributes to personal identity and cultural heritage but also plays a pivotal role in the broader landscape of Welsh society. As more individuals engage with the language, they help ensure its survival and growth amid changing demographics. This movement serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving regional languages, fostering community connections, and celebrating cultural diversity in an increasingly globalised world.
