Welsh language

Welsh

1.     How many people speak this language in the world today?

In 1991 there were 508,000 speakers in the UK. 2001 UK census, 582,000 people in Wales claim to be able to speak Welsh. 20% of the UK population speak Walsh.

2.     Where is the main areas in the UK where this language is spoken?

There are almost 26,000 speakers in rural Powys in mid Wales, but in the south-east we find almost 28,000 in Rhondda-Cynon-Taf, 29,000 in Swansea, and 32,500 in Cardiff. Most of the speakers are in Wales.

3.     What is the history of this language in the UK? When was it first spoken? Who by? What is the behind its arrival in the UK?

Welsh developed from older Celtic languages in the 6th century and 90% of the population spoke Welsh as recently as 1850. There were two main reasons for its rapid decline, firstly, the industrial revolution with its mass immigration and secondly, the active and often forcible discouragement of its use. The first spoken was in 1850.

4.     Any other information about this language that think may be interesting for other members of the class?

Welsh speakers are increasing, is amongst school children. Welsh-medium schools are flourishing and in 1990 it became compulsory for children in English-medium state schools to learn Welsh up to the age of 14. In 1999 the upper age limit was raised to 16.