Bla Translation Service offer translation, proofreading and editing services to clients from all sectors, in Wales and beyond. Organisations can turn to them for help with their Welsh language requirements. They support them to ensure that they make the most of their Welsh identity and, more importantly, that they give the Welsh language fair and equal treatment. Here they discuss receiving the Cynnig Cymraeg.

 

Why is using Welsh important to you?

The Welsh language is what our business is all about. And our aim as a company is to ensure prompt and precise translations to businesses, organisations as well as the public so that Welsh speakers can receive information in their mother tongue, without resorting to English to understand the text. Welsh people have the right to use Welsh in all walks of life, and contributing to the work of ensuring that gives us great satisfaction in Bla and a duty that we take very seriously. 

Describe the process of preparing a Welsh Language Development Plan from the decision to prepare a plan to receive recognition from the Commissioner.

At first glance, it may seem odd for a translation company to undertake the Cynnig Cymraeg process – isn't it clear that Welsh is central for us as translators? But, the fact is that we all have a contribution to make in terms of giving the Welsh language a more prominent platform, and it is our responsibility to do so. The process of preparing the Welsh Language Development Plan was an easy one. All you are required to do is outline your current strengths in your use of Welsh, and it will then become clear the areas you need to improve.

Why is it important that you have received the approval of the Welsh Language Proposal?

Obviously, our translators are all bilingual, but in addition to that our staff, such as the administrative and financial teams, are also fully bilingual. This means we can offer a fully bilingual service in all aspects of our company – and that's certainly cause for celebration! We love working with our Welsh-speaking clients, but supporting English language officers who are trying their best to use Welsh puts a wide smile on our faces too. We already strive to promote the language with our clients, so why not go for it to seek formal recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner for doing so? Some of our clients have been through this process, and have succeeded, so it is very gratifying to be able to share experiences with them and assist them along the way.

What is the benefit to you of receiving the Cynnig Cymraeg?

By receiving the Cynnig Cymraeg, we as a company can demonstrate our commitment to our language. Indeed, our commitment goes beyond our delivery of world-class translation services. Naturally, we are passionate about the language and we are linguists, but we are also keen from a personal perspective. We love to show our clients the value of Welsh in business, and encourage them to take advantage of the language, rather than see it as a barrier. Our language is so unique to us here in Wales, it is vital that we are inclusive of it and promote it as much as possible in order to attract interest in it, convince people that the Welsh language is an asset to your business and ensure its long-term survival.

What are the benefits of offering Welsh-medium services to users of your service?

By offering a Welsh-medium service to our clients, we enable Welsh people to relate to us in their mother tongue. Some of our clients are learning Welsh, and so we encourage them to practice their skills, both verbally when chatting with us over the phone or during meetings, and in writing when contacting us by email. It means we can form a more close and unique relationship with our clients which is a nice feeling for both parties.

Has the Cynnig Cymraeg made a difference to your work?

The Cynnig Cymraeg certification is something we pride ourselves on at Bla. Although our company is based on Anglesey, which is an area where the language is strong, we work with people from all across Wales and beyond. Therefore, by demonstrating our Cynnig Cymraeg certification to those clients, it strengthens our reliability and integrity as a translation company, and highlights that we have taken additional steps to cement our identity as a Welsh company.

 Would you encourage others to go for the Cynnig Cymraeg, and why?

I would encourage all organisations in Wales to go for it to get the Cynnig Cymraeg! The process is simple, and the Hybu Team is extremely efficient and ready to assist you along the way. If you are a Welsh organisation in nature, then it shows your commitment and ability to offer Welsh-medium services, and if you don’t currently use a lot of Welsh, then it shows your awareness of Welsh culture, the importance of the language and your respect for it. There's no reason not to go for it!

 Do you have any advice for other organisations considering working towards the Cynnig Cymraeg?

My advice for any other organisation considering starting the process is to go for it if you are truly passionate about the Welsh language. It's too good an opportunity to miss. There's no financial cost involved, and it's not a hugely time-consuming process. And when you have achieved it, remember to promote your achievement as much as possible and let other organisations know that such accreditation is available to them too!