Story perspectives

Welsh Learners Surge 12%, Exceed 20,000 for First Time

3/21/2026

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Welsh Learners Surge

The National Centre for Learning Welsh (NCLW) reports a 12% rise in Welsh learners, surpassing 20,000 for the first time.
In 2024/25, 20,445 learners completed courses, continuing a trend since 2017.
Workplace study accounts for 39% of learners; the 16-24 cohort rose 56%.
Emma Winter, a primary school teacher, notes a shift in youth attitudes; the NCLW aims to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050 with Welsh government funding.

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Duolingo Welsh Impact

Over 700,000 learners use Duolingo Welsh, signaling its impact.
Dan Fox, the author, highlights the challenges and joys of learning Welsh, including preservation of the language, with readers such as Sian O’Neill and Martin Pennington expressing emotional connections.
Richard Morse, a Duolingo Welsh course designer, says the course complements formal lessons, not replace them.
He notes the lack of a universally accepted spoken Welsh standard, which hinders language revival efforts.

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Welsh Learners Surge

The National Centre for Learning Welsh (NCLW) reports a 12% rise in Welsh learners, surpassing 20,000 for the first time.
In 2024/25, 20,445 learners completed courses, continuing a trend since 2017.
Workplace study accounts for 39% of learners; the 16-24 cohort rose 56%.
Emma Winter, a primary school teacher, notes a shift in youth attitudes; the NCLW aims to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050 with Welsh government funding.

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