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11. Wales and the wider world

Build bridges between Wales and the wider world

The Welsh language is part of a rich tapestry of languages that have developed, co-existed and
evolved throughout history. It lives side by side with a global language, and continues to
contribute to the contemporary culture of the UK, Europe and the world.

Continuing to support the language means broadening our horizons and looking out towards
the world, and recognising that everyday life for very many people across the world
involves more than one language, but also that the Welsh language is in a strong situation
compared to many other languages.
Learning new languages can make us as individuals more open to other cultures, and gives us
different experiences and skills that can help us to succeed here and overseas. In that context, the
Welsh language increases our sense of belonging and helps to make us informed citizens of
Wales and the wider world. Understanding the importance of the language for the nation’s
identity means that people respect it, feel an emotional commitment to it, and therefore want to
see it continue and thrive, regardless of whether or not they speak it.

International relations contribute to the profile of the Welsh language beyond Wales’ borders.
This includes maintaining the close relationship with Welsh communities overseas such as Y
Wladfa – the
Welsh-speaking community in Patagonia – and reaching out to those that have left Wales so that
they are able to continue to contribute to our community and wider society through the medium of
Welsh. It also means fostering a relationship with other languages, particularly countries with
minority languages. We in Wales have learnt lessons from language planners across the world,
and have created solutions that have been adopted by others, and this mutually beneficial
cooperation will continue.

Marketing Wales and Welsh to the wider world

Wales’ appeal is growing as a visitor destination. Strong inward investment on major events
provide opportunities to boost Wales’ profile on the world stage. Our aim is to build a
contemporary, engaging nation brand that promotes Wales on a UK and international

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