We’re used to seeing maps that show us where in Wales speakers of the language are concentrated in relative terms, but what about absolute numbers? It’s often said that there are more Welsh speakers in Cardiff than there are in Gwynedd (I’m not actually sure how true this is) but, of course there are loads more English speakers in Cardiff, too, so the Welsh is less visible (audible?).
This tweet by Huw Waters shows an interesting perspective by taking 2011 census data and creating a point for every Welsh speaker. The points are spread evenly over their parent area. These vary in size, but are small enough to give us some sense of density. There are a few blank areas due to lack of data.
From my (Powys) point of view, it’s interesting to note that the towns of Brecon, Llandrindod and Builth are all obvious despite the local received wisdom that ‘no-one round here speaks Welsh’ while Rhayader is invisible. This could be because it’s a small enough town to be counted as part of a wider area, and therefore its Welsh-speaking population has been diluted, though I can’t tell for sure. Same for Llanwrtyd, possibly.
Further north, Llanidloes and Newtown stand out but not so much Welshpool (though the hinterland seems more populated). So, here’s the thing: Welshpool has just got a Welsh primary school, yet we in Llandrindod/Builth are still waiting for ours. Come on Powys CC, do the right thing - the evidence of demand is staring you right in the face.
Can anyone else see a story from their locality?
Click through to see the map.
although he did use “bach” for Glenda by herself. His stall was the 2nd on the left as you go through the entrance; the one after the sofas.