A SELECTION of Welsh words and terms has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) as part of its latest update, reflecting the growing influence of the Welsh language within English-speaking communities. The inclusion of 10 new Welsh words and phrases aims to represent the diverse varieties of English spoken around the world, according to OED editors.

Welsh, alongside English, holds official language status in Wales. The most recent Census data revealed that 538,300 people, or 17.8% of the Welsh population, speak the language. Although this figure represents a decline from ten years ago, the Welsh Government remains committed to its goal of increasing the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050.

Among the new entries in the dictionary is “Senedd,” the term for the Welsh Parliament, now officially recognised in the English language. Other additions include “sglods” (chips), “twp” (stupid), and “cawl,” a traditional Welsh soup.

The word “calennig,” which refers to a New Year’s gift or custom, has also been included, along with the exclamation “ych a fi,” used to express disgust. The phrase “iechyd da,” which translates to “good health” but is commonly used as a toast, has also made the list.

Several familial terms have been added as well, including “mam-gu” and “tad-cu” (the South Wales terms for grandmother and grandfather) and their North Wales equivalents, “taid” for grandfather. The word “nain,” meaning grandmother in North Wales, had already been incorporated in a previous dictionary update.

The move highlights the OED’s ongoing efforts to document the rich linguistic diversity found in different regions, ensuring that the English language continues to evolve by recognising the contributions of other tongues, particularly those with a deep cultural and historical significance like Welsh.

As Welsh continues to be promoted and preserved within Wales, its impact on English-speaking communities is evident, with everyday expressions and terms becoming more familiar to English speakers across the UK and beyond.

THE Welsh Language Commissioner has called for more action to be taken in dementia care for Welsh speakers. In a policy paper published by the Commissioner, it notes that little progress has been made since recommendations were made in a joint report with Alzheimer’s Society Wales back in 2018.

The Commissioner notes, though, that some positive steps have been taken in recent years and welcomes the reconvening of the dementia and Welsh language group. But she wants to see an increase in momentum, so that provision for patients and families can be improved in the coming years.

Among the Commissioner’s recommendations are:

• Ensuring that the evaluation of the Dementia Action Plan for Wales collates the experiences of Welsh speaking patients and carers 
• Ensuring Wales’s next action plan for dementia has the Welsh language as a core element
• The need for the Welsh Government to lead on formulating a specific delivery plan for the development of Welsh medium dementia care pathways, prioritising areas such as data collection, increasing language awareness, assessments and resources, and language training.

The Commissioner also recommends the creation of a dedicated role to lead on the Welsh language and dementia to ensure the proposed work is delivered.

According to Efa Gruffudd Jones, Welsh Language Commissioner, it is vital to be able to offer care services in the patient’s preferred language,

“It has now been six years since we published a report on dementia care for Welsh speakers. The momentum that existed following the publication of that report and the establishment of an action subgroup has slowed significantly. I accept that the pandemic was a factor in that but we now need to rebuild the momentum to be able to offer suitable dementia care through the Welsh language.

“I recognise that some significant strategic and statutory steps have been taken in recent years. NHS Health Boards and Trusts are now under a duty to comply with Welsh language standards. The Welsh Government’s new More than just words plan includes a number of actions that underpin the requirements of the Welsh language standards, and together set a clear direction for the healthcare sector in Wales.

“Seeing the dementia and Welsh language group meeting again is also to be welcomed, and I hope to see this group contribute to the Welsh Government’s design process for a new dementia scheme in Wales.

“But progress is slow and as we set out our recommendations, we also encourage the creation of a dedicated role that can lead on this work. In my view that is the only way  we can move forward appropriately and in a timely manner.”

A COURT has heard how a neighbour pushed her way into the next door property before assaulting the person who lived there and throwing items of her furniture out into the street.

As all this was going on, the victim’s little dog was seen cowering in the background.

This week video footage was shown to District Judge Mark Layton, sitting in Haverfordwest magistrates court, of Sorrel Arnold pushing her way into a property in Bridge Street, Llanychaer on the afternoon of August 7,

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson explained the incident arose as a result of an ongoing issue concerning a boundary fence.

“The defendant forced her way into the property, grabbed Linda Manley and pushed her to the stomach,” said Ms Jackson.

A victim statement was read out to the court in which Ms Manley mentioned the ‘repeated harassment, intimidation and serious physical abuse’ which is being inflicted on her by Sorrel Arnold.

“I bought my cottage as I wanted to enjoy a peaceful existence,” she said.  “But I was quickly made aware of the aggressive behaviour of my neighbour.  I’m enduring daily harassment from [Sorrel Arnold], with her anti-social behaviour and the damage she’s causing to my property and I’ve become fearful of her.”

Ms Manley went on to describe the events on the afternoon of August 7.

“She forced her way in, attacking me and pushing me to one side,” she said.  “This was in my own home.  I kept telling her to leave me alone, but she kept saying she would do as she pleased.  She pushed her long fingernails into my wrist and threw my mobile phone outside and hurled it into the road, as well as a wooden stool that my children had given me.

“I ran out in fear, shouting for help. I had to leave my own home, leaving her inside with my small dog.”

When Arnold eventually left the property, she lifted the flowers out of Ms Manley’s window box and emptied them onto the road.

“I believe her to be mentally unstable,” concluded Ms Manley.  “I now live in fear each day, not knowing what she’s going to do next.”

Arnold pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Linda Manley’s property and of assaulting Ms Manley by beating.  She was legally unrepresented in court.

After considering a lengthy probation report, Judge Layton sentenced Arnold to a 12 month community order during which she must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

She was ordered to pay a total of £929 compensation to Ms Manley, covering the cost of her iPhone and the damage to her property.  She must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.  The Judge imposed a restraining order which will run indefinitely, preventing her from having any contact with the victim.

“The person you assaulted was in her own home, which is somewhere everyone should feel safe,” he said.  “If you do anything like this again, custody is going to be the next step.”