Welsh language strategy 2012 to 2017 - A living language: a language for living

It has been prepared in accordance with Section 78 of the Government of Wales Act 2006.

The Government's vision is to see the Welsh language thriving in Wales. To achieve that, the strategy aims to see an increase in the number of people who both speak and use the language.

The strategy also wishes to see:

• more opportunities for people to use Welsh
• an increase in people’s confidence and fluency in the language
• an increase in people’s awareness of the value of the Welsh, both as part of our national heritage and as a useful skill in modern life
• the strengthening of the position of the Welsh language in our communities
• strong representation of the Welsh language throughout the digital media.

To achieve this, the strategy identifies six strategic areas:

• to encourage and support the use of the Welsh language within families
• to increase the provision of Welsh-medium activities for children and young people and to increase their awareness of the value of the language
• to strengthen the position of the Welsh language in the community
• to increase opportunities for people to use Welsh in the workplace
• to improve Welsh language services to citizens
• to strengthen the infrastructure for the language, including digital technology.

The strategy also emphasises the importance of the Welsh Government's Welsh-medium Education Strategy as an essential component in producing the Welsh speakers of the future - alongside encouraging the use of the language in families.

The strategy is geared towards providing opportunities for people to use their Welsh language skills, whether acquired in the home or through the education system, in all aspects of everyday life.  

This is a five-year strategy, from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2017, which supersedes Iaith Pawb published in 2003.

The document can be downloaded via the publications page.