On reviewing various articles, one caught my eye more than any other, namely plans by Aberystwyth University which could see a non-Welsh speaker appointed as its new vice-chancellor.
This follows the decision by Bangor to do the same earlier this year.
Whilst the Welsh Language Society is again objecting to this development, I doubt if the University will take any notice of their objections.
To be fair to Aberystwyth, their response is quite different to what happened in Bangor, stating that "The language requirements for the post (and that of any deputy vice-chancellor) need to be considered in the context of the capacity of the senior management team of the university who must have, and do have, full capacity to be able to deal and communicate fluently and effectively in both Welsh and English". More importantly, it was noted that "a non-Welsh speaker should learn the language to a modest standard before starting work".
This is quite different to the situation in Bangor, where the majority of the senior management team did not speak Welsh, despite some of them having been living in the Bangor area for decades. It will also be interesting to see how Aberystwyth will impose the Welsh language rule prior to appointment. Is a GCSE level sufficient for such a senior post and, more importantly, will the successful candidate be able to achieve this within the normal six months notice period for senior appointments?
Two other points.
Firstly, if, as expected, Aberystwyth appoints a non-Welsh speaker to the post, then that will leave just two fully bilingual Vice-Chancellors in Wales (out of eleven), namely Dr Medwyn Hughes of Trinity St David's and Professor Marc Clement of the University of Wales.
Secondly, I was under the impression that the Minister for Education had stated that his new strategy for higher education in Wales was "likely to mean fewer vice-chancellors".
Given that UWIC has already rebuffed his advances for merger with the University of Glamorgan, is this decision by Aberystwyth to appoint a new Vice Chancellor, rather than beginning talks with Bangor over a potential merger under one leader, yet another blow to the intentions of the Minister to reform higher education in Wales?
Comments
Hell must be getting rather chilly!
Efrogwr
If it is a condition that the applicant learns Welsh before starting the job, as reported on the BBC, then I think it will take longer than six months, unless they appoint a linguist (and a bloody good one).
There is also the question of what happens if they do commit to learning the language and do not meet the standard before starting the job?
A minefield of their own making.
Bern
if we follow your argument, then Welsh speakers and English speakers should be able to use what language they wish, whenever they want.
Until that happens, then there is a need for a language requirement in certain positions.
That's exactly what an equal footing means, not marginalising one language or the other. Specifying a language requirement does just that. Doesn't it? I cannot see any other ultimate destination.
Bern
This would be the only logical way that your vision would happen.
On another poin, the vast vast majority of jobs in Wales would be closed to someone who didn't speak English. English is seen as a requirement for most jobs. But when Welsh is stated as a requirement, the anti-Welsh gang seem to get their underwear in a twist. People still speak Welsh, use it daily and it is a skill - and this is very noticable in education in Wales. Get over it for Christ's sake.
Carefull what assumptions you make.
aberystwyth hotels
Which Welsh?
You also ask 'Which Welsh?'. I assume you're asking to which Welsh people does the Welsh language belong? The answer is that the Welsh language belongs to all the people of Wales, Welsh Speaking or non-Welsh speakers. The language was long to generations of Welsh people and communities, but this wasnt the fault of the people of Wales.
Without the Welsh language, Wales would not exist today. So, if you consider yourself Welsh or part of the nation of Wales, then the Welsh language belongs to you.
There are hundreds of thousands of Welsh people who would love to be able to speak Welsh, but weren't born into a Welsh speaking family or area. This doesn't make them less Welsh, and the language is still a vital part of their heritage.