#Bedwyr20 – Discussing the impact of Brexit on the Welsh language

As part of Canolfan Bedwyr’s #Bedwyr20 celebrations, Bangor University will host a symposium on 8 November to discuss the potential impact of Brexit on the Welsh language.

The key note address will be delivered by Emyr Lewis. A highly respected lawyer and specialist on language rights, Emyr Lewis will deliver a lecture on the legal implications for the Welsh language following Brexit, titled 'Dwi isio fy iaith nôl': sofraniaeth, xenophobia a'r Gymraeg yn dilyn refferendwm Ewrop’ ('I want my language back': sovereignty, xenophobia and the Welsh language following the EU referendum).

Following the keynote address, a panel of academic staff from Bangor University will discuss the Welsh language and Brexit from various standpoints. They will discuss the historical context of the rhetoric that is currently emerging, the practical implications for language planning today as well as the possible implications for the Welsh language as a result of the impact on the economy, health and agriculture.

Bangor University’s aim in hosting the symposium is to inspire a wide-ranging exploration of the possible impactions for the Welsh language following Brexit. In so doing, it is hoped that the work of planning and responding proactively to secure the future of Welsh in this new context can begin. A clear indication of the interest in this topic is the fact that the symposium is now fully subscribed.

The symposium will take place at Neuadd Reichel, Bangor University on 8 November, between 1:30 – 5. A simultaneous translation service will be available on the day.

Publication date: 3 November 2016