The Welsh Language in Flintshire
We are proud of our culture and linguistic heritage; Welsh is one of the strongest minority languages in Europe and is believed to be the oldest surviving language in Europe. The Census 2011 reported that 19% of the Welsh population aged over three said they were able to speak the language.
The Welsh language is a vibrant language and can be heard in the workplace, in schools, shops, cafes and pubs. Wales has its own Welsh language television channel - S4C, and Welsh language radio station BBC Radio Cymru.
As a local authority, we recognise that we have a responsibility and a duty as a community leader to promote, support and safeguard the Welsh language for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Council believes that respecting and meeting the language needs and preferences of our customers is central to good and effective customer care. We continually invest in the development of employees to ensure that they develop and use Welsh language skills in the workplace.
Profile of Welsh speakers in Flintshire
Table: Knowledge of Welsh (2011 & 2021)
Source: Census 2011 & Census 2021
| |
Flintshire
|
Wales
|
|
2011 Census
|
2011 Census
|
|
No.
|
%
|
%
|
|
All aged 3+
|
146,940
|
-
|
-
|
|
No knowledge of Welsh
|
116,670
|
79.4%
|
78.6%
|
|
Understands spoken Welsh only
|
6,465
|
4.4%
|
5.3%
|
|
All Welsh speakers
|
21,159
|
14.4%
|
19.0%
|
|
Speaks, reads or writes Welsh
|
16,016
|
10.9%
|
14.6%
|
| |
Flintshire
|
Wales
|
|
2021 Census
|
2021 Census
|
|
No.
|
%
|
%
|
|
All aged 3+
|
155,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
No knowledge of Welsh
|
126,015
|
81.3%
|
74.8%
|
|
Understands spoken Welsh only
|
7,750
|
5%
|
5.2%
|
|
All Welsh speakers
|
17,980
|
11.6%
|
17.8%
|
|
Speaks, reads or writes Welsh
|
21,235
|
13.7%
|
20%
|