Welsh Language Society Calls on the National Assembly to use the Mother Tongue

News from the Welsh Language Society/Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg: The following is from the organization’s web site (linked below):   

We have called on Assembly Members to make a new year's resolution to use more Welsh in the Assembly, following the release of figures showing that use of the language in the Assembly Chamber dropped in 2015. Our research shows that only 11.8% of the contributions made in the Chamber in 2015 were in Welsh, compared with 12.7% in 2014. 

Cymdeithas spokesperson Manon Elin said: "All four parties have said they want to see the language thrive, but the use of Welsh by Assembly Members doesn't reflect that ambition. It's particularly disappointing that we've seen the percentage drop in 2015. That is why we're calling on every Assembly Member to make a new year's resolution to use much more Welsh in the Chamber next year.

"It's important that the Welsh language is prominent in Welsh public life. With the Assembly elections held in May, 2016 will be an important year. It's likely that some of those making the greatest use of Welsh at the moment will not be Assembly Members after May's elections, so we are concerned that the use of Welsh in the Chamber could decline further. That is why we are calling not only on current Assembly Members, but candidates from every party, to commit now to make significant use of Welsh in the Chamber if they are elected.

"There is no reason why fluent Members can't use the language in the Chamber, since interpreters are present at every meeting. Many other Assembly Members are also learning Welsh, something we very much welcome, and it's important that the Assembly Commission supports those Members to use the language increasingly in their work. Whatever their ability level, every Assembly Member could speak more Welsh in the Chamber."

http://cymdeithas.cymru/news/assembly-members-challenged-make-new-years-...