Record numbers of people are taking up Welsh lessons in the
Wrexham area, with 640 people having completed a course in
2023-24. This is up 82% since 2017-18.
One of these Welsh learners is Wrexham University worker Jonathan
Lloyd. Since taking up Welsh lessons, he now regularly uses the
language at work and, with support from his Dysgu Cymraeg tutors,
has developed the confidence and skills to compete in this year's
Eisteddfod as part of a recital group.
He said: “I use Welsh a lot at work. For me, it's great because
it's important to use the language every day, even if that's for
five or 10 minutes.
“Competing at the Eisteddfod will be such a proud moment for me,
not only as a new Welsh speaker, but as a Welshman celebrating
our language and culture. I can't wait to put the Welsh I've
learnt over the past year into practice and speak with people on
the Maes.”
Thanks to a new partnership between the Welsh Government, the
National Eisteddfod and the National Centre for Learning Welsh,
Maes D – the Eisteddfod's dedicated space for Welsh learners –
has grown into one of the festival's most vibrant places. Anyone
can visit Caffi Maes D for a paned a sgwrs (cuppa and a
chat) to practice their Welsh with volunteers who are also
learning.
The second phase of the Welsh Government's Welsh Communities
Commission is examining how Cymraeg can thrive in areas where the
language is spoken by a smaller proportion of the population,
including Wrexham. It explores young people's engagement with the
language, intergenerational language transmission and the role of
Cymraeg in sport and everyday life
Welsh Language Secretary said: "Welsh is our national
language and every community has an important role in its future.
The research we are doing will inform future policy development
and ensure that communities like Wrexham receive support.
"Cymraeg belongs to us all, which is exactly what we're seeing
through the growing enthusiasm here. It's fantastic to see the
Eisteddfod celebrated in Wrexham and lots of learners
participating in it."
The Eisteddfod continues until Saturday, providing opportunities
for all to celebrate Welsh culture and language together.
Notes to editors
The National Centre for Learning Welsh leads the Learn Welsh
sector. It works with providers across Wales to offer a
wide range of courses, including in the community, in workplaces
and online. New courses for beginners are starting in
September. For more information, follow the next link:
September courses | Learn
Welsh
The Welsh Government's programme of events at the Eisteddfod can
be found in the official Eisteddfod programme by filtering the
location to Maes D. Link: What's on | Eisteddfod
