Welsh publishing for children

Abstract

Cymraeg (Welsh) is one of the UK’s indigenous languages and was, until the end of the 19th century, the language of the majority of the population of Cymru (Wales). Despite its decline during the 20th century, it is still spoken by around 20% of the population and was recognised as an official language in 2011. Language activism and changes to legislation have led to new rights and opportunities for speakers of Cymraeg to use the language and a growing demand for Welsh-medium education. More and more children are now learning Welsh at school rather than at home, and books and the Welsh publishing industry underpin efforts to connect new speakers with the language beyond the classroom, as well as sustain those who are raised in Welsh speaking families and communities. Children’s literature in Cymraeg – although at times overlooked, and more often than not underfunded – plays a pivotal role in engaging children with language, culture and a sense of belonging to the land they inhabit. This lecture will outline the key developments, struggles and achievements of Welsh publishing for children in recent times, allowing a space for us to reflect on some of the common issues facing children’s publishing in indigenous, marginalised languages in a global context.