Language Act - Learning the lessons of Catalonia

Cyhoeddwyd gan gweinyddwr ar Iau, Maw 23rd am 2:15 yp

Alexia Bos SoleThis Saturday (March 25th) Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Annual General Meeting, held in Aberystwyth, will hear international evidence that underlines the importance of language legislation in the task of revitalizing a minority language.

This will happen as the AGM's guest speaker – Alexia Bos Solé from the Ciemen Institute in Barcelona leads a session entitled 'Language Legislation Making a Difference – The Catalan Experience.'During this presentation Ms Solé is expected to testify to the importance of concepts such as official status and language rights, concepts that have proved a basis for language policy and legislation for over two decades.In addition she is expected to note that securing strong status and rights are essential in order to facilitate wider use of a minority language.Such arguments will certainly provide further support for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's ongoing and growing campaign for a Welsh Language Act.2006 Annual General MeetingAlong with discussing matters related to the need for a New Welsh Language Act, the AGM will also hear from Cymdeithas yr Iaith's other campaigns in other fields such as education, housing and planning. Various motions will be discussed reflecting the Society’s wide-ranging campaigning activity over the past twelve months.Background notes:

  • Cymdeithas yr Iaith's AGM will be held in the Morlan centre in Aberystwyth on Saturday March 25th between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • Alexia Bos Solé will speak at 2pm. Ms Solé for the Ciemen Institute in Barcelona. Ciemen is an International Institute that has been working in the field of language minorities, across Europe and beyond, since the early 1970s. It was the body responsible for developing and promoting the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights presented to UNESCO in 1996.
  • Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg is campaigning for a New Welsh Language Act for Wales; a measure that would give Welsh official status and would secure basic language rights for the people of Wales. This call has moved to the centre of the political agenda due to the Assembly Government's intention to abolish the Welsh Language Board.