Good morning/Good afternoon everyone! (Bore da/Prynhawn da). Today we have something very special for you, here is the second mini guide in our series of Welsh phrases.
This month we take a look at some holiday related words and phrases. Remember, the third column is to help you with pronunciation;
A Brief History of Welsh – Introduction
Firstly, Cymraeg, or Welsh, is a language native to the British Isles, originating from a Celtic language spoken by the ancient Britons. Throughout its history, it has faced numerous challenges to its existence.
Welsh is a Brythonic language, meaning British Celtic in origin, it was even in Britain before the Roman occupation. Thought to have arrived in Britain around 600 BC, the Celtic language evolved in the British Isles into a Brythonic tongue which provided the basis not only for Welsh, but also Breton and Cornish. At this time in Europe, Celtic languages were spoke across the continent even as far as Turkey.
The Welsh Language Society
Secondly, in the 19th century, the Welsh language still did not benefit from the increasing literacy levels amongst the general public. Moreover, whilst children were attending school, Welsh was not part of the school curriculum. English was still the dominant language as it represented administration and business in an era of imperial expansion.
In the 20th century, there was a growing recognition that Welsh speakers were being discriminated against. In 1942 the Welsh Courts Act spoke about the issues of defendants and plaintiffs having to speak in English. They made a new law allowing Welsh in the courts.
By 1967, there was an important and crucial piece of legislation, thanks to the campaigning of many individuals, including Plaid Cymru and also the Welsh Language Society.
This legislation is modelled on the Hughes Parry Report from two years earlier. It states that Welsh has equal status to English in the courts.
Today Welsh is spoken at home, in the workplace, in the community and also in the government. In the 2011 census, over 562,000 people named Welsh as their main language.
Finally, to learn more Welsh phrases view The Welsh Gift Shop website here.
Also, to view our other Welsh words click here.
