Language Revitalisation in Welsh Public Libraries: Exploring how Libraries are supporting the Welsh Government’s Target to reach 1 Million Welsh Speakers by 2050

Abstract

In 2017, the Welsh Government unveiled its ambitious language strategy. ‘Cymraeg 2050’ aims to achieve 1 million Welsh speakers in Wales by 2050 by increasing the number of Welsh speakers and the number of people who use Welsh daily. This poster explores how public libraries are supporting the Welsh Government to reach this target by providing bilingual and Welsh language activities and cultural events for children and adults, free access to Welsh literature and language learning resources, and opportunities to use Welsh with library staff and other members of the community.

Through interviews with library users who are Welsh Learners and Welsh Speakers, this research explores how public libraries may have influenced library users' perceptions of the Welsh language; how public libraries provide accessible opportunities to learn and use the Welsh language in predominantly English speaking areas; and how important library users perceive public libraries to be in increasing the number of Welsh speakers. More broadly, this poster explores how public libraries can support and increase the use of minority languages in the communities they serve, and why it is important to explore the experiences and opinions of .

Keywords: Welsh, Public Libraries, Minority Languages