The number of primary school pupils who speak Welsh fluently is now relatively unchanged from the figure in 1986.
The most recent Welsh government statistics – for 2009/10 – are virtually the same as those collated 23 years ago.
The figures have been highlighted by the Welsh Conservatives, who are calling for more action to improve ability in the language.
- In 1986/7 – 14,720 (or 7.2 per cent) primary school pupils spoke Welsh fluently at home.
- In 2009/10 the number stood at 14,684 (or 7.6 per cent).
- In 1986/7 – 11,800 (or 5.8 per cent) primary school pupils ‘did not speak Welsh at home’ – but were fluent in the language.
- In 2009/10 the number stood at 10,320 (or 5.4 per cent).
Shadow Minister for the Welsh Language, Suzy Davies AM, said:
“To see fluency levels that are basically unchanged on 23 years ago is obviously disheartening.
“While there have clearly been changes during that time – particularly in the mid-90s – the most recent figures should act as a serious wake-up call.
“The primary schoolchildren of today are the future of the national language. If it’s to flourish in the years ahead, fluency levels need to be increasing, not reverting back to the 1980s.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the fact that more young children are taking the language up – that’s predictably excellent news and I hope that figure continues to rise and rise.
“Where the system appears to be stalling is in performance.
“Recognising the effect of increasingly global influences – particularly the internet – is crucial, but that alone fails to explain the stubbornness of these figures.
“While making provision for statutory Welsh in education plans is a positive step, what’s really needed is a concerted effort to make the language an everyday experience for more and more people. When bilingual atmospheres are the norm, the less anxious people may be about speaking Welsh, whatever their own personal level of proficiency is.
“I want our children to develop their abilities and set themselves up for a future where Welsh is second nature to them – both personally and professionally.”
