Page 129 - 《客語及少數族群語言政策》附錄_少數語言法律

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The discourse surrounding the future of Welsh-speaking communities is often characterised by
the need to protect them for future generations, and consequently the mindset that they should
therefore be protected from change and economic growth. While the reasons for such a mindset
are understandable, it is incumbent on the Government to promote economic growth and to
spread prosperity across Wales. We cannot expect Welsh-speaking communities to remain
static while the nature of society is changing. As such, the Welsh Government fully recognises
the importance of developing a thriving, sustainable economy in rural areas, including in the areas
described previously.

We want to see good jobs that enable young people to remain or, if they leave for different life
experiences, to return to these areas to live and raise a family. We need more than employment to
keep people in these areas, and to attract them back. There is a need for good careers that allow
people to move from one job to another.

One key aspect of this is the agriculture industry. Protecting the interests of the industry in
light of the UK’s exit from the European Union will be a priority for us. Another aspect is
locating public sector jobs in Welsh-speaking areas – areas which contain a readily available
bilingual workforce. We also want to ensure that Welsh speakers
in these areas and beyond are given every encouragement to start businesses. There is also
scope to learn more about the potential of cooperative ventures working in Welsh as a means
for generating community benefit.
There is an opportunity in Welsh-speaking areas to capitalise further on the opportunities offered by
the Welsh language and the existence of
a bilingual workforce. The value of the Welsh language to the economy includes the language
industry – for example education, translation, language planning, consultancy services, corpus
work and language technology – all directly associated with the language. In other fields – such as
culture, media and tourism – the language could be an integral part of the provision. The Welsh
language can also enhance a sense of place and many brands already use it as a unique selling
point.

Development and the Welsh language

In an open market economy like Wales, economic growth and development will to some
extent be uneven in its distribution. However, there is a role for government in seeking to
ensure that all parts of Wales can benefit from economic growth. To support this, we will
take steps to deliver a regional dimension to economic

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