Complaint over a Santa who couldn’t speak Welsh
ACOMPLAINT has been made about Father Christmas being unable to speak Welsh at a site run by Cadw.
Cadw has confirmed that Santa was unable to speak Welsh at Castell Coch in Cardiff and that a complaint had been made to the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office.
A spokesman for Cadw said: “We are already considering how the bilingual experience can be improved next Christmas.”
However, even though Father Christmas was unable to speak Welsh, Cadw said the elves working at the site could.
It is a legal requirement for public bodies to treat Welsh and English equally, but it is unclear whether any laws have been broken in this case.
Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service and oversees many historical sites in Wales.
Tamsin Davies, of Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said: “This is unacceptable and is not the only complaint we’ve received about this issue.
“It’s important to remember that many young children can only speak Welsh, and it would be a very upsetting experience for them.
“Also, normalising the use of the Welsh language in every part of life, especially the social life of children, is important.
“We’re pleased to hear that Cadw are looking to improve the situation next Christmas.”
Commenting on the issue on the WalesOnline Facebook page, Amy Louise Waters said: “I would be disappointed if Father Christmas couldn’t speak Welsh in Wales – it’s my child’s first language.”
Catherine Forsey added: “It would have meant a lot to the Welsh speakers if Santa had spoken both languages.
“Not that I would want the regular Father Christmas to be given the sack, but if ever a new one is needed then perhaps make sure he speaks Welsh as well as English.”
Sandra Bodden Jones also said the situation was a “disgrace”.
She said the venue should have hired a Santa that could speak Welsh in Wales.
She wrote: “I took my two to Llangollen and my son, who is five, said instantly that he wasn’t the real one because he couldn’t speak Welsh.
“No other country would hire a Santa that couldn’t speak the language so why should we. Disgraceful – the organisers should be ashamed.”
But some felt Father Christmas should not have been required to speak Welsh to fulfill his role.
Matthew James Thomas wrote: “In all fairness he’s from the North Pole, not Wales.”
Rachel Wakefield added: “My auntie and I visited Castell Coch before Christmas and Santa came to speak to us.
“He was so friendly and was fantastic with the children.”
The Welsh Language Commissioner’s office was not available for comment.