The online chatting application Skype will be available in Welsh from today,thanks
to the voluntary translation work of some Welsh language activists.
The news comes on Shwmae Su’mae Day, a day to encourage individuals to use and celebrate the Welsh language they have every day. The day is organised by Mudiadau Dathlu’r Gymraeg (Celebrating Our Language), an umbrella group of 25 organisations that work to promote the language at grassroots level every day.
The vice-chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Digital Group, Aled Powell, who helped
to translate Skype’s interface commented: “I would like to thank everyone who
has led on this work. If we want to see Welsh flourish, a strong web presence
for the language is vital. Since we cannot depend on Carwyn Jones’ Government to
act urgently on our behalf, we as individuals must take matters into our own
hands. The fact that applications like Facebook and Skype are now available in
Welsh shows the potential of empowering people. We see hope in people’s
enthusiasm that one day everyone will live their lives in Welsh. ”
Robin Farrar, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg added: “As a member
organisation of Mudiadau Dathlu’r Gymraeg, it’s our pleasure to be supporting
Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae. We encourage people the length and breadth of Wales to start every conversation in Welsh, not just today, but throughout the year.”