Campaigners at Eisteddfod want radical action to grow Welsh language

According to Ffred Ffransis, from Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the medium’s future is at a turning point.

“We’re losing our Welsh-speaking communities,” he said.

“Once a language becomes something just under the surface, confined to certain sectors, not being [the] main medium of social intercourse in naturally Welsh-speaking communities, it means we’ve lost a great deal.”

He is anxious to see the Plaid Cymru government enact change as soon as possible before minds start to focus on the next Senedd election in 2030.

“They’ve got [a] three-year window before we’re into the next election campaign to change things around, to turn the tide in favour of the Welsh language and in favour of regenerating our communities,” he said.

“It means radical measures. They’ve got to decide now very quickly if they are up for the challenge.”

Brychan said the Plaid Cymru minority government is prepared to act, but campaigners at the Eisteddfod will have to wait a few more months before any plans are announced.

“We are going to be launching our consultation in the autumn on what we do next,” she said, “but we already do significantly invest in events like this for example”.