Mae gen i hawl - Welsh Language Rights Day

Welsh Language Rights Day aims to raise awareness of the opportunities available to use the Welsh language when dealing with public services.

It is an opportunity for us as a public organisation to promote our Welsh language services to the public. Welsh speakers have a right to receive Welsh language services without having to ask for those services.

As an employee, you have a right to use Welsh in the workplace.  We will be sharing this message on social media using #maegenihawl.

The rights to use the Welsh language are created by the Welsh Language Standards. On Welsh Language Rights Day, the Welsh Language Commissioner works with public organisations across Wales to highlight the rights that people have to use the language within those organisations.

7 December marks the date on which the Welsh Language Measure was passed by Parliament.  The measure confirms the official status of the Welsh language and establishes the principle that the Welsh language should not be treated less favourably than the English language in Wales.  This led to the establishment of rights to use Welsh when dealing with public organisations.

Some of the rules that organisation in Wales must follow include:

• Write letters or emails in Welsh.
• Create bilingual posters and signage.
• Converse in Welsh on the telephone.
• You can receive swimming lessons in Welsh through the Council.
• Road signs in Welsh should be bilingual.

We'll also be using the day to promote our update five year Welsh Language Promotion Strategy and seeking people’s feedback on this.