News
More must be done to ensure Siri and Alexa are available in Welsh, Senedd told
MORE must be done to ensure virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa are available through the medium of Welsh, the Senedd heard.
Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow minister for the Welsh language, raised concerns about the accessibility of Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, in particular.
She said it has been seven years since her Plaid Cymru colleague Llyr Gruffydd failed to get a response when communicating with Siri in Welsh in the Senedd’s chamber, or Siambr.
During a 2017 debate, Mr Gruffydd asked his smartphone: “Who is the first minister of Wales?” and “Hey, Siri, do you understand Welsh?”
Siri responded: “Sorry, I can’t search that,” and “I rather enjoy what I’m doing now.”
Ms Fychan warned: “Unfortunately I think if you spoke to Siri in Welsh now, the same thing would be the outcome.
“It doesn’t always understand me when I try to speak English to it, because of my accent.
“There is great work to be done to ensure that that range of technology that is part of our daily lives is available.”
‘Linguistic banking’
Jeremy Miles raised the importance of linguistic banking as he gave a statement about a report on the 2018-2024 Welsh language technology action plan on February 20.
The education and Welsh language minister said: “We’re not yet in a position to be able to do that.
“To develop that kind of technology we need a significant range of linguistic data, and developers in the area are expecting dozens, if not hundreds of thousands of hours of data before they can create that kind of technology.
“At the moment, we have about 200 hours of relevant data in the Welsh language.
“That’s a very familiar story for minority languages, internationally.
“It is a challenge, and that’s why we’ve prioritised linguistic banking and, in the end, that will allow us to make sure that that happens.”
‘Laudable’
Mr Miles highlighted a Welsh Government-funded project at Bangor University which transcribes Welsh into typed text and can generate subtitles automatically.
He said the university has partnered with Open AI – the company behind ChatGPT – to improve how its most powerful chatbot, GPT-4, processes the Welsh language.
Samuel Kurtz, the Tories’ shadow minister, said embracing technology can make the targets of a million Welsh speakers and doubling daily use of the language by 2050 realisable.
Welcoming progress, he said: “The fact that the action plan recognises that technology is a priority area in terms of securing a place for the Welsh language in our lives is laudable.”
Mr Kurtz highlighted that SaySomethinginWelsh has created a free short course to help people learn the Welsh national anthem in four lessons, using an app.
He called for improved free digital checkers for spelling, grammar and mutations in Welsh.
‘Open source’
Alun Davies, a Labour backbencher, who represents Blaenau Gwent, was eager to know when he will be able to communicate with Alexa and Siri through the medium of Welsh.
The former minister said while the operating system on his iPhone is almost all available through Welsh, he has to turn to English when using apps.
Mr Davies called for a focus on open-source technologies rather than technologies that are closed or restricted in terms of licensing.
Mr Miles agreed about the need to foster a culture of open innovation, saying work with Open AI offers an opportunity to improve access to apps through Welsh in future.
On Alexa and Siri, Mr Miles cautioned: “The next challenge, and we’re already working on it, is to create hundreds of thousands of data.
“We have quite a long journey before we reach that destination, just because of the size of the Welsh language compared to the languages that are used more.”
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
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