Additional Contact Information
Overview
Dr. Cynog Prys is a Senior Lecturer at Bangor University, specializing in sociology, social policy, and language planning. He holds a PhD from Bangor University (2011), an MEd from the University of Rio Grande, Ohio (2005), and a First-Class degree in Sociology and Social Policy from Bangor University (2003). He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His co-authored series of Sociology e-books, Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg (Prys and Hodges), won a national award for Outstanding Welsh-Medium Learning Resource of the Year 2023, presented by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
His main academic research area is the study of Welsh language use in everyday life. His work examines the use of Welsh by the public across various domains, including the community, healthcare, the third sector, and the economy. Additionally, he specializes in the use of minority languages within the digital domain, with a current focus on understanding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for minority language speakers. Dr. Prys regularly publishes research in international journals, and his work is referenced in Welsh Government policy documents, including Cymraeg 2050: A Million Welsh Speakers. For further details, see his list of publications.
Welsh in Civil Society
Dr. Prys’ doctoral thesis (2011) presented a qualitative analysis of the experiences of Welsh language service users and providers in third-sector organizations in Gwynedd and Carmarthenshire. Since 2011, the use of Welsh within civil society has been a key focus of his academic work, resulting in numerous research reports and academic publications exploring Welsh language use in communities.
Recently, his research has focused on the relationship between the Welsh language and economic factors. In 2024, he was awarded a grant from the ARFOR Challenge Fund to develop a Bilingual Workforce Recruitment Toolkit to assist employers in recruiting staff with Welsh language skills. The aim is to support employers in addressing recruitment challenges while also supporting Welsh-speaking communities by matching Welsh speakers with Welsh-medium jobs, particularly in areas facing concerns about the outmigration of adults with Welsh language skills.
Welsh in the Digital Age
Dr. Prys has been studying the use of Welsh in the digital world for over a decade. His interest began with a research project examining the use of Welsh on social media (see, for example, the work of Cunliffe et al., 2013). Since then, he has worked on numerous research projects and supervised doctoral studies in the field of language and technology, including work on how Welsh is used on apps and digital platforms.
Between 2020 and 2023, he served as Deputy Chair of the Language Rights group within the European research network Language in the Human-Machine Era. He contributed to and coordinated several European workshops, conferences, and events on linguistic rights in the digital age.
For an example of the network’s work, see The Dawn of the Human-Machine Era: A Forecast of New and Emerging Language Technologies:
More recently, he has been a member of the UniNet (NPLD) working group on Artificial Intelligence and Minority Languages. In 2024, he co-authored a paper titled AI and Minority Language Use, presented at the Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity Conference.
Commissions and Research Projects
Dr. Prys also has extensive experience publishing commissioned reports for external funders, including the Welsh Language Commissioner, the Welsh Government, S4C, BBC Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, and other organizations. Additionally, he has collaborated with broadcasting companies such as Cwmni Da and Rondo Media. Contact him to discuss commissioned research work.
He also supervises several doctoral and MA students in the field of language planning. Current PhD students include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Welsh-Medium Education – Beca Owen (Lead Supervisor, funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).
- The Economy and the Welsh Language – Elen Bonner (Lead Supervisor, Martin Rhisiart Scholarship, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).
- Factors Influencing Language Acquisition Success in the Workplace – Dafydd Apolloni (Co-Supervisor, funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).
- Language Journeys: Young Speakers' Experiences as Welsh Speakers – Charlotte Amesbury (Co-Supervisor).
- Welsh in the Digital World: Experiences and Attitudes of Welsh Speakers in Gwynedd Using Welsh or Bilingual Apps – Shân Prichard (Lead Supervisor, KESS Scholarship/Cwmni Da).
- Strategic Management of Language Training in Public Sector Workplaces – Ifor Gruffudd.
- Viewing Habits and Choices of S4C Audiences – (KESS/S4C Scholarship).
Digital Educational Resources
Dr. Prys also has extensive experience in developing Welsh-medium educational resources, including the Sociology Multimedia Resource Pack (Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol) and the Digital Learning Materials Project (Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol/HEFCW). The Sociology Multimedia Resource Pack won the national award for Outstanding Welsh-Medium Resource at the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Annual Awards in 2023. He has a keen interest in using digital technologies in his teaching to enrich the experience of students and learners, particularly in Welsh-medium education.
- Sociology Multimedia Resource Pack (Prys and Hodges):
- Digital Learning Materials Project (HEFCW/Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol – Prys, Principal Investigator):
Sociology: Studying Contemporary Wales
Sociology: Sociological Theory
Broadcasting
Dr. Prys is a regular contributor to Welsh broadcasting media, appearing on BBC Radio Cymru over 40 times to discuss current issues, including matters related to the Welsh language, the role of culture and social norms in behaviour, and social change, especially in the digital age. He has also contributed to S4C programs and print media.
Here is a selection of his contributions:
AI: Y Gwalch neu’r Gwych
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023fs4
Codi bawd ac ysgwyd llaw (Podlediad Aled Hughes, BBC Radio Cymru)
Publications
2024
- E-pub ahead of printDefining economic impact on minority languages: The Case of Wales
Bonner, E., Prys, C., Mitchelmore, S. & Hodges, R., 21 Mar 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. 17 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedLanguage, Education and COmmunity in a Digital Age: A Welsh Digital Resources Case Study
Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 16 Apr 2024, Heritage Languages in the Digital Age: The Case of Autochthonous Minority Languages in Western Europe. Ahrendt, B. & Reershemius, G. (eds.). Multilingual Matters, p. 103-127
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - PublishedMigration through a language planning lens: A typology of Welsh speakers' migration decisions
Bonner, E., Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Mitchelmore, S., 7 Aug 2024, In: Current issues in language planning. 25, 4, p. 394-415 22 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2023
- PublishedAddysg: Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg
Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 24 Mar 2023, (Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg)
Research output: Book/Report › Book - PublishedAnghydraddoldebau Cymdeithasol: Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg
Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 24 Mar 2023, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Research output: Book/Report › Book - PublishedDefnyddio'r Gymraeg mewn Cymunedau yn Ynys Mon
Hodges, R., Prys, C., Bonner, E. (Contributor), Orrell, A. (Contributor) & Gruffydd, I. (Contributor), 28 Jul 2023, 85 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedStrategic management of Welsh language training on a macro and micro level
Gruffydd, I., Hodges, R. & Prys, C., Sept 2023, In: Current issues in language planning. 24, 4, p. 380-399 20 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedWell-being and language: language as a well-being objective in Wales
Prys, C. & Matthews, D., Sept 2023, In: Current issues in language planning. 24, 4, p. 400-419
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2022
- PublishedCyfrifiad 2021: Pam bu gostyngiad yn nifer y siaradwyr Cymraeg?
Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 9 Dec 2022, BBC Cymru Fyw.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedNumber of Welsh speakers has declined – pandemic disruption to education may be a cause
Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 15 Dec 2022, The Conversation.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
2021
- PublishedRhetoric and reality: critical review of language policy and legislation governing official minority language use in health and social care in Wales
Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Roberts, G., 13 Aug 2021, In: Linguistic Minorities & Society Journal/Revue Minorités linguistiques et société. 15-16, p. 87-110
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSocial Exclusion Among Official Language Minority Older Adults: A Rapid Review of the Literature in Canada, Finland and Wales
Nyqvist, F., Häkkinen, E., Bouchard, L. & Prys, C., 1 Sept 2021, In: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology. 36, p. 285-307
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2020
- PublishedCynllunio ieithyddol a pholisi iaith
Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 15 Dec 2020, Cyflwyniad i ieithyddiaeth. Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, p. 163-169 7 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedPecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg: Cyflwyniad i Gymdeithaseg
Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Aaron, H. (Illustrator), 1 Jul 2020, 1 ed. Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. 30 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Book
2019
- PublishedGwerthusiad Proses o'r Rhaglen Cymraeg i Blant: Process Evaluation of the Cymraeg for Kids Programme
Lewis, S., Thomas, H., Grover, T., Glyn, E., Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Roberts, E., 12 Feb 2019, Welsh Government.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedTeasing apart factors influencing executive function performance in bilinguals and monolinguals at different ages: Teasing apart factors
Gathercole, V., Thomas, E., Vinas-Guasch, N., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N., Roberts, E., Hughes-Parry, E. & Jones, L., 12 Jun 2019, Bilingualism, Executive Function, and Beyond: Questions and insights. Sekerina, I., Spradlin, L. & Valian, V. (eds.). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins, Vol. 57 . p. 295-336 42 p. (Studies in Bilingualism; vol. 57).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - PublishedThe community as a language planning crossroads: macro and micro language planning in communities in Wales
Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 27 May 2019, In: Current issues in language planning. 20, 3, p. 207-225
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2018
- PublishedPecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg: Dulliau Ymchwil
Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Aaron, H. (Illustrator), 2018, 44 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review - PublishedPecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg: Y Teulu
Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Aaron, H. (Illustrator), 1 Oct 2018, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. 37 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Book
2017
- PublishedPecyn Cymorth Hybu'r Gymraeg yn y Gymuned: A Toolking for Promoting the Welsh Language in the Community
Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 7 Aug 2017, ISSUU. 152 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2016
- PublishedTeasing apart factors influencing Executive Function performance in bilinguals and monolinguals at different ages
Gathercole, V. C. M., Thomas, E. M., Viñas Guasch, N., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N. E., Roberts, E. J., Hughes, E. K. & Jones, L., Oct 2016, In: Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism. 6, 5, p. 605-647
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2015
- PublishedWelsh Language Use in the Community: A research study undertaken as part of the Evaluation of the Welsh Ministers' Welsh Language Strategy: A living language: a language for living
Hodges, R., Prys, C., Orrell, A., Williams, S. & Williams, E., 7 Oct 2015, Welsh Government. 172 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2014
- PublishedDoes language dominance affect cognitive performance in bilinguals? Lifespan evidence from preschoolers through older adults on card sorting, Simon, and metalinguistic tasks
Kennedy, I. A., Young, N. E., Gathercole, V. C., Thomas, E. M., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N., Viñas Guasch N., [. V., Roberts, E. J., Hughes, E. K. & Jones, L., 5 Feb 2014, In: Frontiers in Psychology: Developmental Psychology. 5
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe Welsh language and volunteering: Y Gymraeg a Gwirfoddoli
Prys, C., Hodges, R., Mann, R., Collis, B. & Roberts, R., 2 Oct 2014, Welsh Government.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2013
- PublishedExploring Welsh speakers’ language use in their daily lives: Ymchwilio i ddefnydd iaith siaradwyr Cymraeg yn eu bywyd bob dydd
McAllister, F., Blunt, A., Prys, C., Evans, C., Jones, E. & Evans, I., 2 Jul 2013, Welsh Government. 123 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedInvestigating the differential use of Welsh in young speakers’ social networks: a comparison of communication in face-to-face settings, in electronic texts and on social networking sites
Cunliffe, D., Morris, D., Prys, C., Jones, E. H. (Editor) & Uribe-Jongbloed, E. (Editor), 1 Jan 2013, Social Media and Minority Languages. 2013 ed. p. 75-86
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedYoung Bilinguals' Language Behaviour in Social Networking Sites: The Use of Welsh on Facebook
Cunliffe, D., Morris, D. & Prys, C., 1 Apr 2013, In: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 18, 3, p. 339-361
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2012
- PublishedSocial networks and minority languages speakers: the use of social networking sites among young people
Morris, D., Cunliffe, D. & Prys, C., 1 Jan 2012, In: Sociolinguistic Studies. 6, 1, p. 1-20
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2010
- PublishedThe Use of Welsh in the Third Sector in Wales
Prys, C., 1 Aug 2010, In: Contemporary Wales. 23, 1, p. 184-200
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2006
- PublishedDevelopment of a Welsh Language Version of the EQ-5D Health-Related Quality of Life Measure. Stage One: Transition.
Muntz, R., Edwards, R. T., Tunnage, B., Prys, C. & Roberts, G. W., 1 Jan 2006, In: Psychologist in Wales. 18, p. 21-25
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
2024
- Bilingual Recruitment Challenges Project - Co-production workshops
A series of co-produced workshops with public, private and third sector employers from Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd and Môn discussing challenges and good practice in recruiting a workforce with skills in the Welsh language. As part of a project funded by the Cronfa Her Arfor Fund.
Jul 2024 – Sep 2024
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)
2020
- Language, Education and Community in the Digital Age: A Welsh Case Study
Invited speaker to present at an international conference, Minority Languages in the Digital Age. Usage, Maintenance and Teaching, Grieswald, Germany
11 Dec 2020
Links:
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker) - O Covid 19 i BLM: Anghydroddoldebau Cymdeithasol yng Nghymru
Cyflwyniad Gwyl Gwyddorau Cymdeithas, ESRC Festival of Social Sciences
12 Nov 2020
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
2017
- Shifft ieithyddol mewn chwe chymuned yng Nghymru, WISERD, Bangor, Gorffennaf 2017
Papur yn cyflwyno prif ganlyniadau ymchwil a gomisiynwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru o'n hastudiaeth ymchwil, Defnyddio'r Gymraeg yn y Gymuned, 2015
5 Jul 2017
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Panel discussion: Language, community and civil society in Wales today, AHRC Research Network - Language Revitalization and Social Transformation 22-23 May (2017), Aberystwyth University,
Panel discussion: Language, community and civil society in Wales today, AHRC Research Network - Language Revitalization and Social Transformation 22-23 May (2017), Aberystwyth University
22 May 2017
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)
2013
- TU HWNT I’R DOSBARTH – Dyfodol Cynllunio IeithyddolBEYOND THE CLASSROOM – the future of Language Planning
Symposiwm Cynllunio Ieithyddol rhyngwladol yn trafod yr angen i gynnwys strategaethau cynllunio ieithyddol holistig y tu hwnt i'r ystafell ddosbarth er mwyn hyrwyddo defnydd cymdeithasol fwy eang o ieithoedd lleiafrifol fel y Gymraeg
An International Language Planning Symposium discussing the need to include holistic language planning strategies beyond the classroom to faciliate wider social use of minoritized languages such as Welsh
8 Mar 2013
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)
Projects
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01/01/2024 – 15/01/2025 (Active)
-
KESS II MRes with Rondo Media- BUK2E075
01/03/2022 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
-
KESS II PhD upgrade Project with Cwmni Da
01/10/2015 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
Links:
-
KESS II PhD upgrade Project with S4C
01/10/2015 – 31/08/2023 (Finished)
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Research into Volunteering and the Welsh Language in Wales
01/08/2013 – 31/07/2014 (Finished)
Links: