Welsh became an official language of Wales alongside English in 2011.
The Welsh Language Measure 2011 gave Welsh official status in Wales and created the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office. The measure strengthened the language’s use in public services, education, and government, building on earlier legislation that had increased its legal recognition.
Welsh is a Celtic language closely related to Breton and Cornish. It developed in Britain after the separation of Brittonic-speaking communities, and medieval Welsh literature includes the celebrated collection known as the Mabinogion. The language has remained especially strong in parts of north and west Wales.
Welsh uses the Latin alphabet, with several letters and letter combinations having distinctive roles. Its revival and maintenance are often discussed alongside bilingual road signs, Welsh-medium schools, and public broadcasting. Welsh is not the same language as Irish or Scottish Gaelic, which belong to the Goidelic branch of Celtic.