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1. One Wales? Reassessing Diversity in Welsh Ethnolinguistic Identification

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A new survey of 777 informants, widely distributed in Wales, allows us to reassess conventional understandings of ethnolinguistic diversity in Wales, particularly as regards subjective variables to do with ethnic identity and belonging. Our findings are set against Denis Balsom's widely cited 'three-Wales model', and against geographical data relating to Welsh-language competence from the 2001 census. The new data challenge the validity of the 'three-Wales' concept. They also qualify the wider assumption that Welsh-language competence and affiliative Welshness are necessarily closely related factors – the idea that speaking Welsh affords stronger Welsh identity. The overarching finding of the survey is that Welsh people across almost all geographical regions of Wales express very high levels of affiliation to Wales – that Welsh identity in many respects is buoyant and widespread. However, informant age, lived history and variable levels of support for the Welsh language are also statistically implicated.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: March 1, 2006

More about this publication?
  • Contemporary Wales is at the forefront of research into economic, political and social sciences relating to Wales. It contains both academic and practitioner-based articles, annual economic and legal reviews, and book reviews. Its interdisciplinary content drawing on current research on Wales makes the journal essential reading for students and researchers across a range of subject areas, including political and social policy, history, law, media and languages. Contemporary Wales has published articles in English and in Welsh.

    Mae Contemporary Wales wedi’i gyhoeddi’n gan Wasg Prifysgol Cymru fel llwyfan ar gyfer ymchwil blaengar ar Gymru o safbwynt y gwyddorau economaidd, gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol. Mae'n cynnwys cyfuniad o erthyglau gan academyddion ac ymarferwyr, adolygiadau economaidd a chyfreithiol blynyddol, ac adolygiadau o gyhoeddiadau yn y maes. Mae natur rhyngddisgyblaethol y cynnwys sy'n seliedig ar yr ymchwil diweddaraf yn golygu bod y cyfnodolyn yn hanfodol i wleidyddion, gwneuthurwyr polisi, y cyfryngau, gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, llywodraeth leol yn ogystal â fyfyrwyr ac ymchwilwyr mewn ystod eang o feysydd gan gynnwys polisi gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol, hanes, y gyfraith, y cyfryngau a ieithoedd. Mae Contemporary Wales wedi cyhoeddi erthyglau yn y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg.

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