Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Welsh Language Scheme?

  • The Welsh Language Scheme explains how Aberystwyth University proposes to offer services bilingually to the public. The public includes staff and students as well as the general public and prospective students in Wales. The service which is provided includes the education provided to students and the administrative provision offered to students, staff and the public.

• Why does the University need a Welsh Language Scheme?

  • Like every other public body in Wales, the University is obliged to prepare a Language Scheme under the terms of the Welsh Language Act 1993. Aberystwyth University’s Welsh Language Scheme was approved and given statutory status by the Welsh Language Board in December 2003.

• What is the University’s view on this?

  • The University aims to create an environment in which all members of society can feel at ease in their chosen language, whether it be Welsh or English, and to understand the distinctive nature of the bilingual society in which they reside. The principles and policies relating to the use of Welsh are embodied in the University's Language Scheme, the University Charter and the Strategic Plan of the University.

• Where can I see a copy of the Language Scheme?

  • Should you want to see comprehensive copy of the scheme please click here or contact the Centre for Welsh Language Services for a paper copy.
  • The Guide to The Welsh Language Scheme is a short document which explains the main requirements of the Scheme.

• I don’t speak Welsh so is the Language Scheme relevant to me?

  • The provisions of the Welsh Language Scheme are relevant to all members of the University’s staff and it is important that staff adhere to the requirements of the scheme and ensure that operating the bilingual policy becomes an integral and normal part of their every day work.
  • The Centre for Welsh Language Services offers advice on all aspects of the Language Scheme; contact us if you are not sure about any aspect.

• How will I be affected by the Bilingual Skills Strategy?

  • The Strategy is mostly aimed at staff who are new to the University. There shall be no obligation for current members of staff to learn Welsh. However, one of the aims of the Strategy is to support staff who wish to learn or improve Welsh, and it is possible that some members of staff shall be invited to learn Welsh or improve their grasp of the language should the linguistic profile of the department allow this.

• How do I send work for translation?

  • Guidelines on sending work for translation may be found here.

• I have an urgent message to send to a group of people on email, must I send the message bilingually?

  • All correspondence to a group of people should be sent bilingually every time, and Welsh placed first or to the left of the English. The Translation Unit prioritises the translations of correspondence but if you wish to send the message immediately contact the Centre to explain the situation and to arrange a translation.

• Should everything I write be available bilingually?

  • Documents which are distributed widely among the members of the department, University or the public in Wales must be bilingual. The Centre can advise and support if your are not sure what you should do.

• Should I answer the telephone bilingually?

  • Every members of staff who is a first point of contact in a department or office should answer the telephone bilingually whether they are able to speak Welsh or not. The greeting and the name of the department should be said in Welsh first and then in English. The Staff Guide to the Welsh Language Scheme explains the procedure which should be followed if you are unable to respond further to a call in Welsh.

• What is the procedure for advertising in the media?

  • All advertisements which are created by the University and which appear in the media in Wales should be bilingual with the Welsh appearing on the left to the English or above the English. The advertisement should appear in Welsh only in Welsh language publications.

• Where may I find further information about Welsh classes?

  • Details regarding Welsh classes may be found here.

• Is there support available to help me improve my Welsh language skills?

  • Details regarding improving Welsh sessions may be found here.

• I am a member of staff and I wish to attend Welsh classes, must I pay?

  • Information regarding which staff are eligible to be considered under the fee waiver scheme may be found ion the registration form Ffurflen Hawlio Ffioedd / Fee Claim Form (2) .

• How may I get hold of the Welsh Language Board’s yellow badge which shows that I am able to speak Welsh or am learning Welsh?

  • Contact the Centre to receive your badge and remember to wear it, especially during the University’s open and visiting days.

• How may I get hold of Cysgliad, the Welsh language spelling and grammar software?

  • More information on this may be found here. If you would like a copy contact Information Services (Data Preparation: dataprep@aber.ac.uk)
    

• How do I place a Welsh interface on my PC?

  • The Welsh Language Board’s website explains how to download Word and Windows in Welsh. Contact the Centre for further information.