Making Sense of Language Use

Abstract

We shift our attention in this chapter to another key area of concern within the study of languages and, arguably, one that is gaining even more traction in academic, policy and public debate; namely, how one can understand patterns of language use and utilise this understanding as a way of devising interventions that can promote the use of minority languages such as Welsh. We begin by critically examining the way in which the Welsh language is understood as a community language in studies conducted by the Welsh Government, Mentrau Iaith (the language initiatives located in different parts of Wales), as well as other allied bodies. We also discuss the way in which the notion of a community language is viewed as being a normative goal for the Welsh language, and the various interventions that seek to achieve this goal. The discussion then proceeds to examine the geographies that are implicated in language use at the level of individuals. As part of this we elaborate on efforts that have been made to understand the impact of the environment—broadly defined—on the language choices made by individual Welsh speakers. The conclusion draws together the main arguments advanced during the chapter and poses a series of questions for policy makers and language activists, both in Wales and also further afield, to consider as they plan future interventions aimed at promoting greater use of minority languages.