New language scheme launched

Launching the new Welsh Language Scheme: (L to R) Mari Elin Jones, Manager of the Centre for Welsh Language Services; Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor; Gwenno Piette, Welsh Language Development Officer; Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Welsh Language and Culture and External Relations; Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Aberystwyth University President; and Gwenan Davies from the Department of Welsh and the Centre for Welsh Language Services.

A new Welsh Language Scheme has been published by Aberystwyth University today, Friday April 11, 2014.

The University has also launched a short film to promote the use of Welsh and to provide background to the Scheme and its objectives.

The University has operated a Welsh Language Scheme since 2003 and the revised Scheme reflects the structural changes that took place in light of the University adopting a new Institute structure in August 2013.

Following the establishment of the Institutes, seven Directors responsible for Welsh language and Culture were appointed; an innovative move which means that the Welsh language has a champion in every Institute.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Welsh Language and Culture and External Relations, said; “This is a time of much debate and development in the University's strategies in relation to the Welsh language, and the publication of this new language scheme is an important milestone.

“Since the adoption of the University’s first Welsh Language Scheme, a more systematic approach to the implementation of bilingual policy and providing more Welsh language services for students, staff and the public has been adopted. There has also been significant growth in the provision of Welsh medium academic provision as a result of the University’s own investment, and in partnership with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

“To build on this, the new Language Scheme includes a Bilingual Skills Strategy which means that the language requirements of all jobs are now being determined in a systematic manner to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary language skills to provide bilingual services.

“It is also important that we explain the scheme to all University staff in order to gain their understanding and support. The short film that has been created is one way to achieve this. We will develop other means of conveying the basics of the bilingual policy and what the University has committed to doing, as set out in the Welsh Language Scheme.”

The approval of the new Welsh Language Scheme goes hand in hand with the University's recent announcement that it is developing a Holistic Plan for the Welsh language.

The Holistic Plan will describe and action the elements of facilitating and promoting the Welsh Language, as outlined in the Welsh Language Scheme.

The responsibility for the day to day implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme rests with the University’s Centre for Welsh Language Services.

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