Menter Iaith Môn, Welsh language initiative is calling on all Anglesey residents to take part in an important survey to get a full picture of the use of the Welsh language on the island.
Funding was secured by Menter Iaith Môn and Anglesey Council from the UK Community Renewal Fund, part of which has been used to commission Bangor University to undertake this research. Anyone living on the island is encouraged to take part, from fluent speakers to learners across all the island’s communities.
Elen Hughes, Senior Officer at Menter Iaith Môn said: “This survey is the first of its kind to be carried out on a local level. We’re delighted to be working with Bangor University on the project. Their research experience and expertise will provide us with valuable data which will help us put a firm action plan in place over the next few years.
“We’ll be engaging with communities, societies, and businesses across Anglesey to encourage as many people as possible to take part. The more people that take part, the better, as this will give us a complete picture of the situation. I would encourage everyone to take part, whether they are Welsh-speakers or not – as the Welsh language belongs to us all.”
The findings of the survey will be used to create an action plan for Menter Iaith Môn and Fforwm Iaith Môn (Language Forum), which will lay solid foundations for their work in developing and promoting the language on the island over the next few years. The more people that get involved, the better.
Dr Rhian Hodges, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Social Policy at Bangor University, said: “This project is an important opportunity to provide a snapshot of how the Welsh language is used from day-to-day on the Isle of Anglesey. It’s an opportunity for us to learn more about the various opportunities to use Welsh in the community, but also for us to try to understand some of the barriers that prevent some individuals from using Welsh as well.”
Dr Cynog Prys is also a Lecturer in Sociology and Social Policy at Bangor, he added: “This is a chance for us to study a unique area of Wales, one with a high percentage of Welsh-speakers. This study is taking place at an interesting time, especially as we face many social changes as a result of the pandemic.”
WELSH LANGUAGE USE ON ANGLESEY : ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE (google.com)
Menter Iaith Môn secured £250,000 funding from the UK Community Renewal Fund to promote and support the Welsh language on Anglesey. As well as funding this particular research, other projects and activities are underway and are coordinated by the Menter Iaith Team.
