This course explores the modern history of the Welsh language from the mid-19th century to the present day. It examines the impact of industrialisation, migration, and political change on the language’s status, use, and perception. We will also look at Welsh-speaking communities abroad, such as in Patagonia, and the evolving attitudes toward Welsh in education, media, and public life.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
1850-1900: Industrialisation, emigration and decline
The effects of the Industrial Revolution on Welsh-speaking communities.
Migration to industrial centres and the anglicisation of the workforce.
The Welsh Not and the 1847 “Treason of the Blue Books” and their impact on Welsh language education and identity.
Welsh emigration to Patagonia, Argentina: founding of Y Wladfa and the survival of Welsh abroad.
1900-1945: Cultural survival
The role of religion, chapels, and print media in maintaining the language.
Early Welsh-language activism and cultural preservation efforts.
The rise of Welsh nationalism and early political movements.
Language in the context of World Wars and shifting demographics.
1945-1999: Revival and Resistance
Post-war decline and the emergence of organised language activism (e.g., Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg).
The Welsh Language Acts of 1967 and 1993.
The role of media: BBC Cymru, S4C, and Welsh-language broadcasting.
Devolution and the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales (now Welsh Parliament).
2000-Present: Policy, Technology, and the Future
Welsh in devolved Wales.
Welsh in the digital age: apps, social media, and online learning.
Government policy and the goal of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Education reforms and the growth of Welsh-medium schools.
Contemporary attitudes toward bilingualism and models/theories of Welsh identity.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the major historical forces that shaped the Welsh language since 1850.
Discuss the impact of industrialisation, migration, and politics on language use.
Identify key events and figures in the Welsh language revival.
Reflect on the current challenges and opportunities for the language’s future.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in language, history, or Welsh culture. No prior knowledge of the Welsh language is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught through illustrated lectures, group discussions, and analysis of historical texts and media. Optional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to explore further.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share their other courses with you, but please also explore our other courses in the British history section.
Welsh/Swedish: Raised in the Welsh-speaking heartland of north Pembrokeshire, Jack has taught Welsh to adults since 2017 in London, Cardiff and online. He has a particular interest in using phonetic approaches to improve learners’ pronunciation and teaches interactive pronunciation workshops. A keen language learner, Jack began studying Swedish at City Lit and quickly became obsessed by this fascinating Germanic language. He holds an advanced certificate in Swedish from Folkuniversitetet (Göteborg) and coordinates Scandinavian language courses at City Lit. As a tutor on workshops and beginner level courses, Jack enjoys helping learners to overcome the challenges that he himself faced as a learner. Sociolinguistics: Jack completed his PhD at Ysgol y Gymraeg (Cardiff University) in 2023, where he researched how linguistic backgrounds of adult learners of Welsh affect their pronunciation. Jack teaches introductory courses on language policy and attitudes in Sweden, the history of the Welsh language, and the pragmatics of politeness. He brings theoretical insight to help learners understand how language is viewed, used and changed.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-welsh-language-a-condensed-modern-history2755533The Welsh Language: a condensed Modern Historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/social-anthropology-1024.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history/Courses/Online courses228511771178163017311228511771178<p>This course explores the modern history of the Welsh language from the mid-19th century to the present day. It examines the impact of industrialisation, migration, and political change on the language’s status, use, and perception. We will also look at Welsh-speaking communities abroad, such as in Patagonia, and the evolving attitudes toward Welsh in education, media, and public life.</p>003075616The Welsh Language: a condensed Modern History8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/social-anthropology-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-03-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHBH1228989The Welsh Language: a condensed Modern History715889Jack Pulman-Slaterthe-welsh-language-a-condensed-modern-history/hbh122-2627<p>This course explores the modern history of the Welsh language from the mid-19th century to the present day. It examines the impact of industrialisation, migration, and political change on the language’s status, use, and perception. We will also look at Welsh-speaking communities abroad, such as in Patagonia, and the evolving attitudes toward Welsh in education, media, and public life.</p>0000-Available|2027-03-04 00:00:00-<p>This course explores the modern history of the Welsh language from the mid-19th century to the present day. It examines the impact of industrialisation, migration, and political change on the language’s status, use, and perception. We will also look at Welsh-speaking communities abroad, such as in Patagonia, and the evolving attitudes toward Welsh in education, media, and public life.</p><p><strong>1850-1900: Industrialisation, emigration and decline</strong></p><ul><li><p>The effects of the Industrial Revolution on Welsh-speaking communities.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Migration to industrial centres and the anglicisation of the workforce.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The Welsh Not and the 1847 “Treason of the Blue Books” and their impact on Welsh language education and identity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Welsh emigration to Patagonia, Argentina: founding of Y Wladfa and the survival of Welsh abroad.</p></li></ul><p><strong>1900-1945: Cultural survival</strong></p><ul><li><p>The role of religion, chapels, and print media in maintaining the language.</p></li><li><p>Early Welsh-language activism and cultural preservation efforts.</p></li><li><p>The rise of Welsh nationalism and early political movements.</p></li><li><p>Language in the context of World Wars and shifting demographics.</p></li></ul><p><strong>1945-1999: Revival and Resistance</strong></p><ul><li><p>Post-war decline and the emergence of organised language activism (e.g., Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg).</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The Welsh Language Acts of 1967 and 1993.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The role of media: BBC Cymru, S4C, and Welsh-language broadcasting.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Devolution and the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales (now Welsh Parliament).</p></li></ul><p><strong>2000-Present: Policy, Technology, and the Future</strong></p><ul><li><p>Welsh in devolved Wales.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Welsh in the digital age: apps, social media, and online learning.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Government policy and the goal of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Education reforms and the growth of Welsh-medium schools.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Contemporary attitudes toward bilingualism and models/theories of Welsh identity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Understand the major historical forces that shaped the Welsh language since 1850.</p></li><li><p>Discuss the impact of industrialisation, migration, and politics on language use.</p></li><li><p>Identify key events and figures in the Welsh language revival.</p></li><li><p>Reflect on the current challenges and opportunities for the language’s future.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in language, history, or Welsh culture. No prior knowledge of the Welsh language is required.</p></li></ul><p>The course will be taught through illustrated lectures, group discussions, and analysis of historical texts and media. Optional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to explore further.</p><p>No additional costs. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes.</p><p>Your tutor will share their other courses with you, but please also explore our other courses in the British history section.</p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyvirtual718958HBH122NONEThu04/03/27 - 25/03/2719:35 - 21:0519:3521:054 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineJack Pulman-SlaterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-03-04T00:00:00+00:00Mar 2027Culture, history & humanities8989The Welsh Language: a condensed Modern Historythe-welsh-language-a-condensed-modern-history/hbh122-2627<p>This course explores the modern history of the Welsh language from the mid-19th century to the present day. It examines the impact of industrialisation, migration, and political change on the language’s status, use, and perception. We will also look at Welsh-speaking communities abroad, such as in Patagonia, and the evolving attitudes toward Welsh in education, media, and public life.</p>0000-Available|2027-03-04 00:00:00-<p>This course explores the modern history of the Welsh language from the mid-19th century to the present day. It examines the impact of industrialisation, migration, and political change on the language’s status, use, and perception. We will also look at Welsh-speaking communities abroad, such as in Patagonia, and the evolving attitudes toward Welsh in education, media, and public life.</p><p><strong>1850-1900: Industrialisation, emigration and decline</strong></p><ul><li><p>The effects of the Industrial Revolution on Welsh-speaking communities.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Migration to industrial centres and the anglicisation of the workforce.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The Welsh Not and the 1847 “Treason of the Blue Books” and their impact on Welsh language education and identity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Welsh emigration to Patagonia, Argentina: founding of Y Wladfa and the survival of Welsh abroad.</p></li></ul><p><strong>1900-1945: Cultural survival</strong></p><ul><li><p>The role of religion, chapels, and print media in maintaining the language.</p></li><li><p>Early Welsh-language activism and cultural preservation efforts.</p></li><li><p>The rise of Welsh nationalism and early political movements.</p></li><li><p>Language in the context of World Wars and shifting demographics.</p></li></ul><p><strong>1945-1999: Revival and Resistance</strong></p><ul><li><p>Post-war decline and the emergence of organised language activism (e.g., Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg).</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The Welsh Language Acts of 1967 and 1993.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The role of media: BBC Cymru, S4C, and Welsh-language broadcasting.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Devolution and the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales (now Welsh Parliament).</p></li></ul><p><strong>2000-Present: Policy, Technology, and the Future</strong></p><ul><li><p>Welsh in devolved Wales.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Welsh in the digital age: apps, social media, and online learning.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Government policy and the goal of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Education reforms and the growth of Welsh-medium schools.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Contemporary attitudes toward bilingualism and models/theories of Welsh identity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Understand the major historical forces that shaped the Welsh language since 1850.</p></li><li><p>Discuss the impact of industrialisation, migration, and politics on language use.</p></li><li><p>Identify key events and figures in the Welsh language revival.</p></li><li><p>Reflect on the current challenges and opportunities for the language’s future.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in language, history, or Welsh culture. No prior knowledge of the Welsh language is required.</p></li></ul><p>The course will be taught through illustrated lectures, group discussions, and analysis of historical texts and media. Optional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to explore further.</p><p>No additional costs. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes.</p><p>Your tutor will share their other courses with you, but please also explore our other courses in the British history section.</p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyconfigurable
16301178British & Irish historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/16301/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history
