The Welsh language is facing a concerning decline in Wales, according to the Annual Population Survey's latest data. But is this a temporary dip or a long-term trend? And what does it mean for the future of the language?
The Survey's Findings:
The survey, published on January 21, 2026, reveals a decrease in Welsh speakers over the past two years. This is a shift from the general growth trend observed since 2010, which followed a decline between 2001 and 2007. The data covers the period from October 2024 to September 2025, showing an estimated 828,500 Welsh speakers in Wales as of September 2025.
A Closer Look at the Numbers:
The survey's line chart illustrates the language's trajectory. After a dip around 2018/2019, the number of Welsh speakers stabilized until 2023, only to decline again in the last two years. Despite this recent fall, the overall trend since 2010 has been positive, with a 25.2% increase in speakers.
Regional Variations:
The survey highlights significant regional differences. Gwynedd and Cardiff lead with the highest number of Welsh speakers, while Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil have the lowest. Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey boast the highest percentages of Welsh speakers, in stark contrast to Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil.
Age-Related Insights:
Interestingly, children and young people aged 3 to 15 are more likely to speak Welsh (46.5%) than other age groups. However, this percentage has been decreasing since 2019. The survey also reveals that 14% of people aged three and above speak Welsh daily, while 4.9% do so weekly, and 6.6% less often.
Data Reliability:
It's important to note that the Office for Statistics Regulation has temporarily removed the accreditation of these statistics due to a shrinking sample size, increasing uncertainty. As such, these results should not be compared with census data or used to track progress toward the Welsh Government's ambitious target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Welsh Government's Response:
The Welsh Government is taking a multi-faceted approach to language preservation. They are implementing the Welsh Language and Education Act, responding to the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, offering free Welsh lessons for young adults, and increasing Welsh language technology. These efforts aim to reverse the recent decline and ensure the language's longevity.
Controversy and Discussion:
But here's where it gets controversial—is the Welsh Government doing enough? With the latest data showing a decline, some may argue that more drastic measures are needed to protect and promote the Welsh language. What do you think? Are the Welsh Government's actions sufficient, or is there more they could be doing to secure the language's future?
