yeh, he's a wind-up artist. Suspend all privileges. All languages add to the rich tapestry of creative thought. I value all opportunities to work with people who speak other languages - you get a far more divers response to problem solving. Minority language-speakers also have a greater grasp of the problems of struggling against the odds.

In Wales (as you know!) if I had kids, I'd send them to Welsh-language schools even if I didn't speak Welsh because the overall commitment of the teachers is greater because they're dedicated both to teaching and to preserving their culture. I'm saying this from experience: when I was a theatre marketing officer in Cardiff, Welsh medium schools were miles ahead of their English counterparts in bringing kids to theatre and all arts events.

Oh - here's an interesting bit: at the time of the French Revolution, only a third of the population of present day (geographical) France spoke French. Somewhere, too, I have another snippet scribble down ... something like, on average, there are three languages to be found in every European nation state.

Yeh, he's winding us up...

O bydded i'r Hen Iaith barhau!

sian