Welsh Language and Racial Assumptions
A black presenter and journalist has expressed frustration over assumptions about her ability to speak Welsh based on her skin colour.
Seren Jones, originally from Cardiff, noted that unlike her white friends, some Welsh speakers switch to English upon seeing her, doubting her Welsh language skills.
Now residing in London, Seren remarked,
"I doubt I'm the only person of colour in Wales that's had that experience."
The 2021 census indicated a rise in Welsh speakers from Asian, black, or other ethnic backgrounds in Wales.
Actress Mali Ann Rees emphasized that inclusivity is vital to encouraging Welsh language use, stating there is "no excuse" for unconscious bias.
Seren Jones’ Experience and Background
Seren described her accent as quite neutral due to living in London for nearly a decade and moving countries during her life.
She added,
"Also I'm not a white person, and I think a lot of people in London and in England, when they think of someone Welsh speaking Welsh, they think of someone who's more white."
The 2021 census data showed that 18.4% of white people in Wales (approximately 533,000) spoke Welsh, a decrease from 19.5% in 2011.
Among those identifying as Asian or Asian British, Welsh speakers increased slightly from 6.3% to 6.4%, while those from black, black British, Caribbean, or African backgrounds rose from 5.6% to 6.1%.
Welsh speakers among other ethnic groups increased from 5.5% to 5.9%.
Seren has presented various podcasts and documentaries, including Yn Fyw yn y Dwr on S4C.
Brought up in a Welsh-speaking household, she noted that non-Welsh people are often surprised by her Welsh language ability due to her accent and background.
However, she said that assumptions about her language skills also come from people within Wales.
She explained,
"To the people in Wales who don't know me for my work or maybe haven't seen me on TV, they wouldn't speak Welsh with me first, they'd speak English."
One memorable incident occurred while Seren was working in north Wales.
She recounted,
"I was staying in a hotel and the woman in reception was speaking Welsh to everyone, but when she saw me she said, 'good morning, how was your night?'
"I answered in Welsh and it took her aback, but she was so happy."
Seren noted a difference in reaction between England and Wales, saying,
"What's different between when I explain I'm a Welsh speaker in England and in Wales is that in Wales it's celebrated."
Despite positive responses, Seren expressed fatigue over the persistent assumptions and has shared her experiences on social media.
She stated,
"I don't get the same assumption as my white friends, and that's something I have to deal with and navigate, and that can be frustrating."
Perspectives on Language and Inclusion
Aliya Mohammed, chief executive of Race Equality First, emphasized that language should be a space of inclusion and pride rather than one where individuals feel questioned or othered due to race.
She said,
"Addressing this kind of unconscious bias is an essential part of anti-racist work in Wales, because true inclusion means ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging in our national culture, languages and public spaces, without having their identity questioned."
Actress Mali Ann Rees, known for her role in BBC's The Pact, described the Welsh language as a significant part of her identity.
The Cardiff-born writer shared,
"My mum and sister are white, so the experience is quite noticeable when someone speaks to us as a family.
"Even if they know I can speak Welsh they turn to English, but they would speak to my mum and sister in Welsh and that has happened several times."
"Speaking Welsh is really important to me in many ways, so when people don't see that as something that's part of me, it feels like they don't see me for who I am."
With increasing representation of people of colour in Welsh language media, Mali stated there is no justification for such attitudes.
She said,
"Now it feels more offensive because I feel like there is no excuse any more.
"People know that brown people like me exist who can speak the Welsh language.
"There's a target for a million Welsh speakers by 2030 and if we're going to reach that, people need to be inclusive in everything we do.
"The world is changing and people need to move with it."
