Agenda item

To present the results of the survey.

1.     To accept the report, noting the observations received during the discussion.

2.     To support arrangements to carry out future research.

The Senior Language and Scrutiny Adviser presented the report. Attention was drawn to the following main points:

It was explained that the study introduced an innovative approach to measuring and observing the use of the Welsh language in indoor public spaces, in settings that provide Cyngor Gwynedd and Byw'n Iach services to residents.

Dr Rhian Hughes and Dr Cynog Prys from Bangor University were thanked for their help in carrying out the survey. It was noted that the street survey methodology used in the Basque Country had been adapted to collect data in a variety of service settings such as Siop Gwynedd receptions, libraries, leisure centres and call centres across three different locations in the County.

It was reported that the aim of the work was to establish a robust, independent and objective baseline for monitoring language use over time while also responding to the current lack of reliable quantitative data in this field.

It was highlighted that the results of the survey demonstrated:

·        That the Welsh language remained a strong community language in many areas.

·        That the use of the language decreased with increasing age:

o   90.3% of the 2-15 age group

o   69.8% of the 16-24 age group

o   68.9% of the 25-64 age group

o   58.3% of the group aged 65 and over

·        That the context of situations, whether formal or informal, had a significant influence on language choice. It was elaborated that a lower use of the Welsh language can be seen in formal situations, which suggests the presence of diglossia within our communities. It was explained ⁠that diglossia occurs when two types of language exist side by side in society, with one being used in official, educational, or formal contexts (such as official documents), and the other being used in more informal contexts (such as in a conversation between friends or at home). ⁠ ⁠

The members were updated that it was hoped that the survey will be carried out again, to receive consistent data which can be used to target locations for interventions where the need arises.

During the discussion, the following observations were made:- 

In response to concern that the survey results do not reflect the true use of Welsh within communities, the Senior Language and Scrutiny Adviser emphasised that the survey was a snapshot of language use. It was emphasised that all the facts were correct and that only three locations had been selected for the pilot, as they were areas where the Council's office and services are located.

In response to a query, it was theorised that the percentage of Welsh use within age groups decreases as people get older due to the effects of influx and outflux from the area. It was considered that the fact that very high percentages are found in the younger ages reflects the successes of the Education Department in providing effective Welsh-medium services. The advent of technology was considered to present a new challenge as it was necessary to ensure that all software allowed individuals to receive services in Welsh. It was emphasised that this challenge would be addressed by the Language Unit, when Cyngor Gwynedd's new website is operational in the next few months, and will receive ongoing consideration in the future.

In response to an enquiry, the Senior Language and Scrutiny Adviser acknowledged that the Welsh Government's target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 was very challenging, whilst also noting that it was inspiring to be ambitious. It was emphasised that it was everyone's responsibility; be they businesses, organisations and individuals, to work towards the target and to make a strong effort to fulfil this.

The members expressed their thanks for the report.

RESOLVED

1.     To accept the report, noting the observations received during the discussion.

2.     To support arrangements to carry out future research.