The Welsh Government's goal of one million speakers by 2050 faces a serious challenge as A-level participation dwindles.
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Have you noticed the declining interest in learning Welsh? Recent figures reveal a striking drop in A-level candidates, with nearly a third fewer students compared to two decades ago. In 2023, just 372 students registered for Welsh, a sharp fall from 927 in 2005.
This downward trend raises critical questions about the future of the Welsh language, particularly as the Welsh Government sets an ambitious goal of reaching one million speakers by 2050.
Current Statistics and Trends
According to the latest data, this year marks a significant low in Welsh A-level participation.
Breaking it down, only 185 students took Welsh as a first language—down from 260 in 2020—while 187 chose it as a second language, compared to 209 the same year. Efa Gruffudd Jones, the Welsh Language Commissioner, expressed her deep concern about these declining numbers, underscoring the urgent need for Welsh to gain protected status in schools.
“If only three or four students express interest, schools often choose not to offer the course,” Gruffudd Jones pointed out. “I believe every educational institution should provide Welsh courses post-16.” She also mentioned that the current qualification is under review and needs to become more appealing to students.
Interestingly, the range of courses available in Welsh has expanded, with subjects like psychology and criminology now offered in the language. Could this shift influence students’ choices? Only time will tell.
Broader Linguistic Decline
The decline in Welsh isn’t happening in isolation. A similar trend is observable across other languages, such as French, German, and Spanish, which collectively experienced a 20% drop in entries this year. Ruth Cocks, director of British Council Wales, called the situation “a concerning story.” While the reasons behind this trend remain unclear, it seems students may be prioritizing STEM subjects over language skills.
Gruffudd Jones emphasized the need to balance technical skills with language proficiency, stating, “We need communicators in the workplace, and literature provides insight into the world.” She highlighted the urgency of reversing this trend to keep interest alive in Welsh.
Future Implications and Government Responses
The Welsh Government’s goal of having one million Welsh speakers by 2050, first introduced in 2017, faces significant challenges. Earlier this year, a new five-year plan was unveiled to help close the gap, alongside the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill, aimed at enhancing language acquisition among students across various schools.
Data from the 2021 census revealed a decline in Welsh speakers, with about 538,000 people in Wales reporting fluency—down from 562,000 a decade earlier. In a broader strategy, the Welsh Government is currently consulting on new Welsh AS and A-levels to boost engagement and attract more learners.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government noted, “We want all young people to leave school with better Welsh skills, regardless of whether they take A-level Welsh or not.” This commitment reflects a growing acknowledgment of the need to support and promote the Welsh language amid changing educational priorities. So, what does the future hold for Welsh? Only time will tell, but the stakes are high for the language’s survival.
