Velština: od národního k evropskému jazyku? Proměny postavení velštiny ve Walesu na přelomu 20. a 21. století
Welsh Language: from National to European Language? Welsh Language in Contemporary Wales

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on the role of the Welsh language in Wales and EU. Firstly, it outlines the conditions under which the Welsh became one of the co-official minority languages in EU in 2009 and, secondly, it analyses relations between EU and Welsh speaking people of Wales. Thirdly, societal and geographical expansion of the Welsh during the 20th century and on the eve of the 21st century is identified, too. The author tries to answer the questions what were the main factors that has influenced the growing importance and use of Welsh mainly among young generation since 1980s, what was the role of the two main political parties – Labour Party and Plaid Cymru – and what was their relation to Welsh language politics. The study concludes that during the 20th century the Welsh was not only saved as a symbol of national identity of Welsh people, but also became part of European public sphere as one of the most important minority languages in Europe.

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