The new Welsh Language Strategy, Cymraeg 2050 makes dramatic demands upon the
resources, infrastructure and policies of Welsh language planning. To bring about the
desired increase in Welsh speaker numbers there will need to be a complete rethink of
Welsh language policy, and the challenges faced are considerable. This thesis explores
these challenges, considering the two essential pillars of language revitalization,
acquisition and retention of speakers, both child and adult. Overarching themes such
as evidence, measurement, resources and leadership are considered, as are the
specific challenges relating to the different facets of language revitalization. The family
is the traditional cornerstone of Welsh language transmission. However it is clear that
the family unit no longer provides the numbers of Welsh speakers required if the
language is to thrive. Consideration is, therefore, also given to the education system,
both statutory education for children, and language learning for adults. To succeed in
its stated aims, Cymraeg 2050 must result not only in an increased rate of Welsh
speaker acquisition, but also an improved rate of retention rate of speakers. The
traditional strongholds of the Welsh language are shrinking, with in-migration reducing
Welsh speaker numbers in percentage terms, and out-migration reducing them in
absolute terms. Retention is considered not only in terms of quantity of speakers, but
also quality of language. It is probable that poor language quality, with an associated
loss of prestige, will jeopardize the relationship between identity and language, so
important to Welsh language maintenance. There is an inherent tension between a
focus on quantity, and a focus on quality. This raises the question whether the focus
on a large number of speakers is not actively detrimental to the future of the Welsh
language, which might be better served by more fluency, and strengthening the core
areas of Welsh community use
