A list of problems has been printed and published in a document called ‘Y Llyfr Du’ (The Black Book) with complaints brought together by people right across Wales. The majority were collected on the web and postcards, with comments varying from complaints about BT services to being unable to register a marriage in Welsh. 

 

One of the complaints seen in the book is from language activist Jamie Bevan from Merthyr Tudful who attempted to speak to a policeman in Welsh, and received this reply “So you’re refusing to speak English are you?  Then, I’m arresting you for wasting police time”. A member of staff at mobile phone store O2 shouted  “English” at Lewys Aaron after he tried to start a conversation in Welsh, 

 

Speaking before presenting the book to the Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws - along with local MP Hywel Williams, Dr Jerry Hunter and Judith Humphreys - Ceri Phillips, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's rights spokesperson, will say:

 

“This book shows that attitudes towards the Welsh language need to change, and quickly if we want the language to survive. There's no excuse that we continue to suffer prejudice from day to day for speaking our country's unique language. The main purpose of the Llyfr Du (Black Book) is to give a voice and platform for people to publicise their experiences and draw attention to the poor practice and injustice people get for trying to live their lives through the medium of Welsh. We intend to publish a similar document every year, publishing a clear message stating that the language should be central in every part of life, not an add-on but a way of life.

 

“As we said in our Tynged yr Iaith (Fate of the Language) 2 lecture, a basis for our campaigning, we want to see Welsh as a living language everyone can use from day to day. The Llyfr Du shows how far we are in reality afrom that vision nd how much which still needs to be done. There's clear evidence that it continues to be something marginal for organisations and companies.” 

 

Dr Jerry Hunter from Bangor University will add:

 

“I hope that historians will consider this period a milestone in the history of the Welsh language. After all the Language Measure states that the Welsh langauge has official status and the first Language Commissioner has been appointed. But to ensure that this new period dawns the Commissioner Meri Huws must deliver on the promise and use the powers she has to the full in order to to transform the situation. Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Llyfr Du, reminds us of the fact that many bodies, institutions and businesses still ignore the Welsh language. It reminds us of the challenge which faces her. I wish Meri Huws, the first Language Commissioner, luck and hope that she will realise the promise. Here's hoping that the Welsh people of the future consider the problems and injustice recorded in the Llyfr Du as something which only belongs to their past.”

 

The group intends to publish a Llyfr Du annuallly and encourage individuals to share their comments about Welsh language services on the website blemaergymraeg.crowdmap.com.