Student visit highlights Welsh language status

Postgraduate students have visited the Basque country to compare the Basque language’s current status with Welsh.

Dr Rhian Hodges, Social Science lecturer with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol at Bangor University, led the visit with MA Language Policy & Planning students.

During their visit, they spent a day at Ikastola (Basque-medium school) in Orio and met the editor of the Basque medium newspaper, Berria. They also visited language MA Language Policy & Planning students visited the Basque country recentlyorganisation Kontseilua, and experienced what it was like to work at Journal du Pays Basque radio station.

Rhian delivered a lecture at Basque University, Donostia as part of Professor Durk Gorter and Professor Jasone Cenoz’s MA on Multilingualism, and a seminar was held to discuss the Basque language’s current situation.

The students were glad to be able to discuss important language planning issues and to share ideas with people from the Basque country.

‘‘Meeting and being able to hold discussions with those individuals, visit various language organisations and immerse ourselves in their culture gave us a very different perspective to what we have been studying in lecturers” said student Sioned Wyn Williams. “It was truly an unforgettable experience.’’

After this year’s successful visit, it is hoped that frequent exchange visits will take place in the future to compare language planning strategies of both countries.

‘‘This was a golden opportunity to nurture a close relationship with friends who are facing a similar challenge to us here in Wales”, concluded Dr Rhian Hodges. “It provided us with an alternative opportunity to share ideas and language planning experience on a wider European level. We have learnt a great deal about the linguistic situation of Euskara, the Basque language, and raised awareness of what’s happening in Wales.’’

Please contact r.s.hodges@bangor.ac.uk for further information.

Publication date: 6 December 2013