Opportunities to use the Welsh language beyond formal work situations are important and can help create an atmosphere in which the Welsh language is heard and used regularly. It can help to raise the confidence of speakers and give them the opportunity to socialise in Welsh. Over time, changing habits can make everyone feel more comfortable using their Welsh in the workplace.
Here are some ideas for you to try:
Clwb clonc – Chatting sessions
Why not organise sessions over a cuppa that give people the opportunity to practise their Welsh? Each session could have a topic or theme, or they could be opportunities for general chat in Welsh. It can be a good idea to have some more experienced speakers in the group to facilitate the discussion. It should be an informal and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to give it a go.
Clwb darllen – Reading club
If there are colleagues who like to read, why not create a club to discuss Welsh books? A great opportunity to socialise and use the Welsh language while reading a variety of interesting books.
Gair yr wythnos - Welsh word of the week
Use the intranet, Teams or similar to share a word or words in Cymraeg regularly to encourage everyone to use Welsh. Why not make the word a topical one, relating to something that is happening at work or in the community at the time?
Enwau Cymraeg – Welsh names
Give meetings, rooms, items around the office etc to increase everyone's use of Welsh.
Cerddoriaeth Cymraeg – Welsh music
Welsh music isn't just for Dydd Miwsig Cymru! Why not create a playlist of staff's favourite Welsh songs to raise awareness of different Welsh songs?
Dathlu dyddiadau pwysig - Celebrate significant dates
Why not create a calendar of dates that are significant for Wales and the Welsh language? St David's Day, Shwmae Su'mae Day, Dydd Miwsig Cymru, St Dwynwen's Day, the dates of any national or local holidays e.g. Eisteddfodau or music festivals
Cynllun mentora - Mentoring scheme
Partnering experienced speakers with someone who is learning can be an effective way to encourage use and increase confidence on both sides. It can be nice to have someone to chat to outside of a work context as it develops the habit of speaking Welsh and can complement formal learning. This can lead to increased use outside of work, in social situations and at home.
Cwis – Quiz
Why not run an informal quiz as a way of encouraging people to use their Cymraeg? You can do it face-to-face, over Teams or by sharing some on your intranet. BBC Cymru Fyw has several quizzes on different themes.
Cwis Bob Dydd is a fun app where you can create a group or league for the organisation or your team and compete against each other on a weekly basis.
Cymorth i siarad – Pronunciation support
Why not place audio files of common words, terms and greetings on the intranet to help people pronounce and give them the confidence to use Welsh on a day-to-day basis? You can highlight different sentences and greetings seasonally or weekly to keep them fresh.
Diwrnod blasu - Taster day
You can organise a Cymraeg taster day where everyone is encouraged to use Welsh during the day. Share useful terms to put in an email, or when starting a meeting etc.
Eisteddfod
Why not hold a work Eisteddfod? Share fun tasks that anyone can try and come together – face-to-face or virtually – to participate. You can have a mix of oral and written competitions, and why not include a few photographic or craft ones to involve everyone?
The National Lottery Community Fund holds an annual Eisteddfod. For them it offers,
"an opportunity to get together and have fun while also promoting the language and introducing the concept of the Eisteddfod to new people (some staff members from outside Wales attended). [It was] a good opportunity to promote the Welsh language internally and highlight our bilingual provision and the fact that we offer support to learn Welsh in the workplace."
Why not try something similar in your workplace?
Cymraeg o gwmpas y gweithle – Cymraeg around the workplace
If you work in an office, why not place short and informal resources, such as posters or words, around the office that include a list of greetings and basic Welsh words that employees would likely use during their work? People can then refer back to these resources with ease.
Pencampwyr iaith – Language champions
Why not appoint Language Champions to facilitate the use of Welsh in the workplace? Champions can share information, encourage use, promote relevant schemes, events and initiatives to inform staff about opportunities to use, hear or see the Welsh language.
Your Policy for the Internal Use of the Welsh Language should clearly outline any commitments to increasing the informal use of Welsh in your organisation. There are resources to help you create a policy here.
Giving some – or just one – of these things could lead to an increase in the use of Welsh in your organisation. Why not give them a try?