Language app sees demand for Welsh

RECORD numbers of Welsh learners have signed up to language learning app Duolingo during lockdown, it has been revealed today.

There was a 76% growth in new UK users learning Welsh from March to June of this year, compared to the same period last year, with Welsh overtaking Chinese to become the seventh most popular language to learn on the app in the UK.

Given the increase in interest, Welsh Language Minister Eluned Morgan has urged the record numbers of digital Welsh learners to take part in this year’s virtual Eisteddfod AmGen.

Without a physical National Eisteddfod being able to be held this year, the event which was due to be held in Tregaron this week, has now moved online in a bid to ensure people can still meet together to celebrate Welsh language and culture.

The National Eisteddfod has been running as a virtual festival since May, and this week more than 400 events will be held online for users to enjoy.

During a panel session at Eisteddfod AmGen to discuss various aspects of bilingualism in Wales, Ms Morgan said that lockdown period provided the perfect opportunity for people to brush up on their Welsh language skills.

The Welsh Government has set an ambitious target of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050 and aims to achieve this through the Cymraeg 2050 strategy.

The minister said: “It is fantastic to see so many people taking the opportunity to use technology to further their learning of Welsh.

“With the National Centre for Learning Welsh also seeing a marked increases in people signing up to learn online, it shows how technology can enable a new generation of people to learn the Welsh language.”

She added: “It is disappointing that the Eisteddfod couldn’t go ahead as normal this year, but I congratulate the Eisteddfod for creating AmGen and am looking forward to taking part in a panel to discuss various aspects of bilingualism in Wales.

“Deepening our understanding of bilingualism is a key part of our efforts to drive forward our Cymraeg 2050 strategy.”

■ Find out more about the virtual National Eisteddfod via: https://eisteddfod.wales/ national-eisteddfod-wales