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Abstract
Two main reasons have been suggested for learning or for retaining a language: utility and esteem. The Welsh language is still declining. Reasons for this decline could lie in the attitudes of Welsh and non‐Welsh speakers towards the language. As legislation has attempted to facilitate the use of Welsh, opinions about the language were examined. Subjects comprised groups of parents from differing English/Welsh speaking backgrounds.
An overall favourable attitude towards Welsh was found in all groups, with 86% of parents wanting their children to learn Welsh. The reasons given most often for this support related to Welsh identity. Other reasons included better communication and enhancement of employment prospects. Most parents also expected Welsh to be used as much in the future as at present.
Language has been closely associated with cultural identity but attitudes to the language and its future did not map neatly onto language background groups. However, for Welsh speaking parents, cultural reasons are of greatest importance, whereas English speaking parents are motivated by practical considerations.