Welsh language

Standards enforcement investigation: Report and decision notice 4 October 2022

From 30 March 2016, our Welsh Language Scheme (developed under the Welsh Language Act 1993) was superseded by Welsh Language Standards written by the Welsh Government in line with the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The regulator - the Welsh Language Commissioner - has decided the specific standards to apply to the authority. The standards may be downloaded from the link below. 

Welsh Language Standards (compliance notice City and County of Swansea Council) (PDF) [303KB]

Gweithredu'r Safonau - Implementing the standards (Excel doc) [110KB]

Swansea Council 5 year strategy for the Welsh language

Many people in Swansea speak English and Welsh every day; at home, with friends and in work.

One in six residents speaks Welsh, many as their first language and interest in the language is growing. Dealing with people in their choice of language is a part of our equal opportunities policy.

All children and young people study Welsh in school up to the age of 16. Many adults learn Welsh for social or work reasons. Many Welsh speakers who want to improve their language skills also attend classes.

Welsh medium schools in Swansea welcome children whether their families speak Welsh or not. The council has two Welsh medium secondary schools - Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr (Gowerton) and Ysgol Gyfun Bryn Tawe (Penlan) - fed by eleven Welsh medium primary schools.

The authority's compliance to Welsh language legislation is monitored by the Office of the Welsh Language Commissioner. The commissioner's office replaced the Welsh Language Board in 2012. 

For information on events through the medium of Welsh, community translation services:

Menter Iaith Abertawe (Swansea Welsh Language Initiative) (opens new window)

How to make a complaint about the Welsh Language

If you would like to make a complaint about Swansea Council's compliance with the Welsh Language Standards please use the council's complaints procedure.