Why Welsh is more than just a language.

From lecture halls to the workplace: Why Welsh is more than just a language

Growing up in Wales, in a proud Welsh speaking family, the Welsh language was always part of my surroundings— in school, in songs, in books and in conversations with family and friends. But it wasn’t until I went to university to study Welsh that I truly appreciated its depth, beauty, and significance. Now, working at jamjar, I use Welsh every day, helping brands communicate authentically with Welsh-speaking audiences.

And yet, for many, Welsh is still seen as just another subject in school (remember ‘Rydw i’n hoffi coffi”anyone?!), a ‘nice-to-have’ rather than something integral to daily life. But for me—and for thousands of others—it’s so much more. Welsh is our history, our culture, our identity.

The changing landscape of the Welsh language

The Welsh language has seen an incredible journey over the years. There was a time when speaking Welsh in schools was actively discouraged, but today, the language is growing in strength. According to the most recent Census (2021), about 538,000 people in Wales speak Welsh, equating to 17.8% of the population. While this was a slight decrease from previous years, there’s still huge momentum in Welsh education, culture, and workplaces.

The Welsh Government has set an ambitious target of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, a goal that’s being driven by increasing Welsh-medium education, workplace initiatives, and wider public engagement. More businesses, public services, and creative industries are recognising the importance of bilingualism—not just as a legal requirement, but as a way of truly connecting with people.

Choosing to study Welsh – and why it was more than just a degree

For some, choosing to study Welsh at university might seem like a niche choice. But for me, it was a decision rooted in pride and passion. I wanted to go beyond just speaking the language—I wanted to understand its literature, history, and evolution.

Welsh is more than just a means of communication; it carries centuries of storytelling, poetry, and national identity. From the legends of the Mabinogion to the modern poetry of Mererid Hopwood, the Welsh language is a bridge between our past and future.

Bringing Welsh into my career

I knew I wanted a career where I could use Welsh every day and I’ve been fortunate through jobs I’ve had at The Senedd and Wales Millennium Centre, and now at jamjar, that I’ve been able to. Whether it’s creating bilingual content, conducting stakeholder interviews in Welsh, or helping brands communicate with Welsh-speaking audiences, I see first-hand how valuable the language is.

There’s often a misconception that Welsh is only spoken in rural communities, but that’s far from the truth. Welsh is thriving in Cardiff, Swansea, and across the country, particularly among younger generations. Social media is playing a massive role in this—Welsh-language TikTok accounts, podcasts, and online communities are giving the language a fresh, modern appeal.

Businesses, too, are starting to see the benefits. Using Welsh isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about respect, inclusion, and identity. When companies use Welsh in their branding, marketing, and customer service, it sends a powerful message: we value our culture, and we value our people.

Why Welsh is more important than ever

Despite its challenges, the Welsh language is still here. It has survived suppression, social change, and shifts in demographics. And now, more than ever, it’s vital that we continue to support it.

Using Welsh, whether at work, at home, or on social media, keeps the language alive. Every time we choose to speak it, write it, or share it, we contribute to its future. And the more we normalise Welsh in everyday life—on shop signs, websites, TV shows, and workplaces—the stronger its place in our culture becomes.

Celebrating St David’s Day – and Welsh every day

On St David’s Day, we proudly wear our daffodils and celebrate all things Welsh. But our language is something to be celebrated all year round. So, if you’re learning Welsh—keep going. If you’re a business thinking about incorporating Welsh into your brand—do it. And if, like me, you’re lucky enough to use Welsh every day-keep sharing it.. Because Welsh is more than words. It’s who we are.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!