**TL;DR It is important that Welsh is taught to people in Wales as it is such as an important aspect of the country’s ancestry, history and culture**. Welsh is my first language and I use it everyday (probably more than English). It is compulsory that Welsh is taught in the schools of Wales, however, some people feel that this is a waste of time and the language is unnecessary to learn, especially when the time could be used to develop other languages, such as English. Recent records show that just about [30% of the population speak Welsh, it is important to note though that this figure is increasing.]( https://gov.wales/welsh-language-data-annual-population-survey-july-2018-june-2019) I believe it is important for everyone in Wales to learn Welsh because we need to fight back against the [cultural imperialism and social snobbery]( https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/abby-youngpowell/welsh-wales-teaching-important-to-wales_b_1063233.html) that has historically existed in society. There are countless stories of people being beat up if they were heard speaking Welsh (for example, in the 1930s), this caused people to only speak Welsh in private with their friends. This is also greatly responsible for the decreasing rates of people speaking the language in the 20th century. [In 1850, 90% of the nation spoke the Welsh language, that is almost triple the amount who speak it today.]( https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/wales/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-welsh-language/) The Welsh language is 4,000 years old and therefore, is one of the oldest languages in Europe. It originates from the Celtic language that was spoken by the ancient Britons. It is also sister languages with Cornish and Breton. However, the English sovereignty over Wales under Henry VIII’s Act of Union (1536) had devastating consequences for the language. Welsh was largely banned and laws were created that removed the official status of the Welsh language. This meant people were forced to learn English and was a massive contribution to the cultural imperialism that existed. History shows us why it is so important to learn Welsh in the modern day. It has such an interesting past; it is one of the original languages of Britain. It contributes so much to the culture of the Welsh and British nation. It would be so upsetting to witness the death of a language as a result of cultural snobbery from our history. Learning Welsh is also really useful if you live in Wales. Wales is reclaiming the language and numbers who are able to speak it are growing, this was largely instigated when the Welsh assembly was voted in during 1998. Welsh is all over the road signs and the language can be seen everywhere across the country. Many jobs in Wales now make it a requirement to be able to speak the language, or at least prove that you are learning it. £6 million has also been invested in schools teaching the language, children are also encouraged to speak Welsh during playtime. So, it is arguably more useful for people in Wales to learn Welsh over other languages as they are bound to use it so much more since they live on the language’s homeland. It is important to note though, that modern foreign languages are still taught in Welsh schools (such as French and Spanish), so learning Welsh does not take time away from learning other amazing and fascinating languages from other cultures. I think the best way to end this argument is to quote what J.R.R. Tolkien once said, ‘Welsh is of the soil, this island, the senior language of the men in Britain; and Welsh is beautiful.’

**TL;DR The U.K. lags behind other European nations in terms of poly-lingualism. That is an exemption in Wales where 29% of the population have the opportunity to Welsh daily. ** Teaching children in Wales a language they can use daily in their own nation is an obvious gateway to poly-linguistic society. Welsh is firmly in-bedded with Welsh culture, speaking the language strengthens this bond and allows all children in Wales to identify on a common strength. Whether they be immigrant or native. Also, in order to preserve Welsh culture the language must continue to grow. Welsh speakers are far more likely to back independence showing just how important the language is in politics. Welsh speakership also helps to narrow the divide between rural and urban populations in Wales allowing for the spread of new ideologies and thinking’s between the “new” and “old” Welsh settlements - whilst also protecting fragile “old Welsh” communities.