2021 saw an increase in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales, with 24,600 more people able to speak Welsh, which was 0.8% higher than the previous year. Currently, there are 883,300 people that are able to speak Welsh in Wales with 477,100 of them daily Welsh speakers. The Welsh Government have recently set a target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050, with the vision of being able to use the language in every aspect of life.
Here are five Welsh Language resources that you may find useful:
1. Mozilla Firefox
Ever wanted a Welsh language web browser? Mozilla Firefox offers a Welsh Language web browser that is free to download. The web browser allows the user to become more familiar with Welsh technical terms, names and descriptions; it allows offices and businesses to portray a positive Welsh Language culture. Searches are still carried out in the same manner as a normal web browser. Mozilla Firefox is available to download on both IOS and Android devices as well as the desktop.
2. Siarad
Siarad is a scheme that brings Welsh speakers and learners together for 10 hours of informal conversations in social settings. The aim of the scheme is to increase the confidence of learners and offer them multiple opportunities to use their Welsh; opportunities can happen on a range of platforms for example Zoom, WhatsApp, Facetime – whatever suits you best. The scheme offers courses for learners at an Intermediate, Advanced or Proficient level.
3. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is an open-source office productivity software, and is a project of the non-profit organization, The Document Foundation. The software is developed by users who believe in the concept of a free software and sharing their work without any restrictions. LibreOffice includes 6 components: Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheet program), Impress (presentation program), Draw (graphics editor), Math (formula editing) and Base (database management program); these applications will ensure that any work looks great and professional through it’s styles system. Moreover, the user will have maximum control of the content and will be able to export their work in numerous formats.
4. Cysgliad
Cysgliad is a software package that helps the user to check their Welsh spelling and grammer. It’s suitable for everyone, even fluent Welsh speakers! Cysgliad is made up of two programmes: Cysill and Cysgeir; Cysill identifies and corrects language errors in Welsh Language documents. Cysgeir is a comprehensive collection of useful dictionaries for your computer. Cysgliad is available to download only on Windows desktops, however there are alternative resources out there for IOS users.
5. Ap Treiglo
Ap Treiglo, a mutation app that is very useful for indicating when a letter needs to be mutated. The aim is for user’s to familiarise and gain confidence in using mutations. The app provides the rules of the three different types of mutation; it also includes a dictionary for general use. The app is available to download on both IOS and Android devices.