Mentrau Iaith Cymru have been running the “Dyblu’r Defnydd” (doubling the use) campaign inviting members of the public to share their ideas of how to increase the use of the Welsh language in their communities. One suggestion has been coming up regularly, i.e. the need to recognise spaces where people can practice their Welsh in a relaxed atmosphere and in an everyday context. A number of individuals noted that it would be great for Welsh learners to recognise businesses where they are welcome to just come in for an informal chat in Welsh.
Together with the National Centre for Learning Welsh we have launched a special project called “Hapus i Siarad” (Happy to Speak) with small businesses. Very simply, the project provides an opportunity for Welsh learners to have a chat in a small local business that is ‘happy to speak’! The businesses provide a key opportunity in the communities to use the Welsh language naturally in our in our everyday lives.
After a successful pilot project in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ceredigion and Flint and Wrexham earlier this year, the project was launched across Wales on Shwmae Su’mae Day attracting 355 businesses in 62 towns all over the country. And this was only the launch. Businesses all over Wales are invited to join the scheme and show the poster in their shop window to show that they are ‘happy to speak’ Welsh with their customers.
Local businesses that are keen to be part of the project have received a poster and ideas how to encourage people, especially learners, to speak Welsh and increase their confidence in speaking the language. So, keep your eyes open for the posters!
You can find the businesses in each region on the Mentrau Iaith Cymru website (Hapus i Siarad / Happy to Talk | Y Mentrau Iaith). Get in touch with us for more information and to let us know about businesses in your community that could be part of the project by sending an email to post@mentrauiaith.cymru.
You can submit your ideas how to “Dyblu’r Defnydd” (to double the use) by following the link on the Mentrau Iaith Cymru website (Dyblu’r Defnydd | Y Mentrau Iaith).
