Welsh Language Board facts for kids
"Making it easier for everyone to use Welsh in all walks of life."
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|
| Formation | December 1993 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 31 March 2012 |
| Type | Executive agency |
| Legal status | Intergovernmental implementation body |
| Purpose | Promotion of the Welsh language throughout Wales |
| Headquarters | Cardiff, Carmarthen, and Caernarfon |
|
Region served
|
Wales |
|
Official language
|
Welsh |
|
Chief Executive
|
Meirion P. Jones |
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Main organ
|
Board of directors |
|
Budget
|
No budget as such, though received an annual government grant of £12m |
| Website | http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk/Pages/Hafan.aspx (Archived version.) |
The Welsh Language Board (Welsh: Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg) was a special group in Wales. It was set up by the government to help people use the Welsh language more often. Its main goal was to make it easier for everyone to use Welsh in daily life.
The Board received money from the government each year. This money helped them promote and support the use of the Welsh language across Wales.
Contents
What Was the Welsh Language Board?
The Welsh Language Board was created in December 1993. It was set up under a law called the Welsh Language Act 1993. This law made sure that Welsh was treated equally with English in public services in Wales.
The Board's job was to make sure this law was followed. It worked with many public organizations in Wales. These organizations included hospitals, councils, and government offices.
Making Welsh Easier to Use
The Board helped over 500 public organizations create "Welsh language schemes." These schemes were like plans. They showed how each organization would use and offer services in Welsh. For example, they might plan to have Welsh-speaking staff or provide forms in Welsh.
If the Board thought an organization was not following its plan, it could investigate. If the investigation showed a problem, the Board would suggest ways to fix it. They could even tell the Welsh Government minister about the issue.
Helping Businesses and Design
The Welsh Language Board also worked with private companies. They helped businesses of all sizes to use more Welsh. Since 2008, over 100 businesses made their own Welsh language plans. Also, 150 companies joined the Board's "Investing in Welsh scheme." This showed they supported the language.
The Board also encouraged good design that used both Welsh and English. They even gave out awards each year for the best bilingual designs.
The Board's End and New Beginnings
In 2004, Rhodri Morgan, who was the First Minister of Wales, decided to close the Welsh Language Board. This decision caused different reactions. Some groups were happy, while others were not sure about it.
The Welsh Language Board officially closed on March 31, 2012. Its work was then taken over by a new role called the Welsh Language Commissioner. The Commissioner now helps to protect and promote the Welsh language in Wales.
See also
- List of language regulators
- Languages in the United Kingdom
- Language policy
- Regional language
- Language revitalization
- Foras na Gaeilge – Irish language governing body
- Bòrd na Gàidhlig – Scottish Gaelic governing body
- Cornish Language Partnership – Cornish language governing body
