STAFF from Cered, the Welsh Language Initiative in Ceredigion, campaigned around Lampeter to celebrate the ‘Shwmae Sumae’ day.
The day is organised by Dathlu’r Gymraeg, a network who celebrate the success of the Welsh language and call for action to ensure its future. The aim of the campaign is to urge people to start conversations in Welsh in order to make the language much more prominent and to show that the language belongs to everyone in Wales, whatever their language ability.
Having recently secured the commitment of over fifty businesses, groups and organisations to the Ceredigion Language Charter in Lampeter, it was a chance for Cered staff to revisit the businesses to promote the day. The Ceredigion Language Charter was developed by the partnership group Dyfodol Dwyieithog, a Bilingual Future Executive Group on behalf of the Ceredigion Public Services Board, to raise awareness of the Welsh language and bilingual services that are provided across Ceredigion. The project is managed by Cered.
It was an opportunity for Cered staff to present Charter certificates and ‘iaith ar waith’ badges as well as encouraging local businesses to initiate their conversations with “Shwmae?
Mared Rand Jones, Ceredigion Regional Executive Officer at Farmers Union Wales, said “We at Farmers Union Wales are very pleased to accept a Gold certificate for the Ceredigion office. It is essential to provide a bilingual service and to promote the Welsh language to our customers. The certificate has taken pride of place and can be clearly seen in the reception.”
Since its launch, over 330 businesses and organisations have signed up and received a bronze, silver or gold award for services provided through the medium of Welsh and bilingually. The Ceredigion Language Charter is open to every organisation, institution, service club or business in Ceredigion.
“What is exciting about the Charter is that it provides an opportunity for the business or organisation to consider its Welsh and bilingual service and if there is anything additional that could be altered to serve the residents of the county.” says Lynsey Thomas, Cered Manager, “It’s always a challenge within this competitive market, but the Welsh language is a valuable marketing tool for businesses and organisations within Wales and it can be satisfying and rewarding in so many ways.”
The Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, said:, “The response in Lampeter has been great with several of the businesses and their customers willing to demonstrate support for the Welsh language. The simplest thing, like greeting in Welsh, is something that everyone in the community can be involved with – Welsh speakers, learners and non-Welsh speakers.”
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