walesiska

Walesiska is the Swedish name for the Welsh language, also known as Cymraeg. It is a Celtic language spoken mainly in Wales and by Welsh communities abroad. Welsh belongs to the Brittonic subgroup of the Celtic family, and is closely related to Cornish and Breton.

Although concentrated in Wales, Welsh is found in pockets of England and among Welsh diaspora communities worldwide, including historical settlements in Patagonia, Argentina. In Wales, Welsh is used in daily life, education, media, and government services alongside English.

Welsh has official status in Wales. The Welsh Language Measure of 2011 established Welsh as an official language for public administration, accompanied by the creation of the Welsh Language Commissioner. Subsequent acts strengthened bilingual requirements, promoting Welsh in schools, courts, broadcasting, and public signage.

Written Welsh uses the Latin alphabet with several digraphs and distinct letters, and features consonant mutations at the beginnings of words. The language has unique orthography, such as ch, dd, ff, ng, ll, rh. Mutations affect pronunciation and grammar, enriching expression.

Historically, Welsh developed from medieval Brythonic varieties. It experienced decline under English political dominance but saw a modern revival in the 19th and 20th centuries, supported by education and media. Today, Welsh is taught in schools, supported by cultural institutions and digital resources.