The Welsh language, known as Cymraeg, is a Celtic language spoken primarily in Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is one of the oldest living languages in Europe, with roots dating back over 1,500 years. Welsh is an integral part of Welsh culture and identity, serving as a symbol of national pride and heritage for the Welsh people.

Despite centuries of linguistic and cultural challenges, Welsh has managed to survive and thrive, thanks in part to efforts to promote its use and preservation. In the 20th century, initiatives such as the establishment of Welsh-language schools, the creation of Welsh-language television and radio channels, and government support for bilingualism have helped revitalize the language and increase its visibility in public life.

Today, Welsh is recognized as an official language in Wales, alongside English, and is spoken by over 29% of the population. It is used in various domains, including education, media, government, and the arts. Efforts to promote Welsh-language education and increase access to Welsh-medium services continue, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to learn and use the language and that Welsh remains an integral part of Wales’s cultural heritage.

To know more about Welsh language, let’s take a look at these 10 interesting facts about Welsh language.

1. One of Europe’s Oldest Languages: Welsh is one of Europe’s oldest living languages, with roots dating back over 1,500 years. It belongs to the Celtic language family, which includes other languages such as Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Breton.
2. Unique Alphabet: The Welsh alphabet contains 29 letters, including several digraphs (two letters representing a single sound), such as “ll” and “ch.” These digraphs give Welsh its distinctive sound and appearance.
3. Bilingual Country: Wales is officially bilingual, with both Welsh and English recognized as official languages. All official documents and public signage are required to be displayed in both languages.
4. Language Revival: In the 20th century, efforts to revive the Welsh language gained momentum, leading to the establishment of Welsh-language schools, the creation of Welsh-language television and radio channels, and government support for bilingualism.
5. National Symbol: Welsh is a symbol of Welsh identity and culture, serving as a source of pride and heritage for the Welsh people. It is deeply intertwined with Wales’s history, literature, music, and folklore.
6. Eisteddfodau: Eisteddfodau are traditional Welsh festivals celebrating literature, music, and performance. They often include competitions in poetry, singing, and storytelling, all conducted in the Welsh language.
7. Language Decline and Revival: Despite centuries of decline, the Welsh language has experienced a revival in recent decades, with increasing numbers of Welsh speakers and growing support for Welsh-medium education and services.
8. Status in Education: Welsh-medium education is widely available in Wales, with many schools offering bilingual or Welsh-only instruction. The language is also taught as a subject in English-medium schools.
9. Place Names: Wales is home to many place names of Welsh origin, reflecting the language’s historical influence on the landscape. Examples include Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, one of the longest place names in the world.
10. Global Community: While most Welsh speakers reside in Wales, there are also Welsh-speaking communities in other parts of the world, including Patagonia in Argentina, where Welsh settlers established communities in the 19th century.

The Welsh language, or Cymraeg, holds a special place in the cultural identity and heritage of Wales. As one of Europe’s oldest living languages, it serves as a symbol of resilience and pride for the Welsh people. Despite facing challenges over the centuries, including periods of decline, efforts to promote Welsh language education, media, and cultural initiatives have led to a revival in recent decades. Today, Welsh is recognized as an official language in Wales alongside English, and it continues to be spoken and celebrated by communities both within Wales and around the world. As Wales embraces its linguistic diversity and supports the use of Welsh in various domains, the language remains a vibrant and integral part of Wales’s rich cultural tapestry.