Cymraeg

Cymraeg, commonly known as Welsh, is a Brythonic Celtic language spoken in Wales and by Welsh communities abroad. It forms part of the Brittonic branch of the Celtic language family, closely related to Cornish and Breton and more distantly related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic.

Welsh has a long literary tradition, with medieval poetry and prose such as the Mabinogion contributing to its cultural prominence. In the modern era, language revival and planning, along with education policies, have strengthened its use. Today Welsh is an official language of Wales, supported by government and public bodies to provide bilingual services. Welsh-medium education, bilingual public signage, and Welsh-language media have helped maintain its everyday presence.

Writing system and grammar: Cymraeg uses the Latin alphabet and a number of digraphs representing single sounds, including ch, dd, ff, ng, ll, ph, rh, and th. It also employs initial consonant mutations (treiglo) that alter the first sound of a word under specific grammatical conditions. There are two widely recognized dialect groups, Northern and Southern Welsh, with a standardized written form used in schools and media.

Geographic and demographic note: Welsh is most commonly spoken in Wales, with higher concentrations in the north and west, though it remains a minority language overall. There are Welsh-speaking communities in England and a historic diaspora in Patagonia, Argentina. Language planning continues to promote intergenerational transmission and everyday use.

In media and culture: Welsh-language broadcasting, notably through S4C and BBC Cymru Wales, alongside a body of Welsh literature, music, and theatre, maintains the language’s visibility and vitality in public life.