Fluent reply (From Barry And District News)

Fluent reply

I WOULD like to respond to Mike Lacombe (Barry & District News, Thursday, May 9).

I am puzzled that he calls Welsh a worthless, long-dead language. The number of Welsh speakers today continues to rise, as does the number of children in Welsh education - just look at recent developments here in Barry, the new secondary school, proof that more and more parents are willing for their children to be taught bilingually.

Welsh is fully abreast of modern terminology and many job opportunities require the language.

I find it extremely patronising that Mr Lacombe seems to suggest that he has the ability to read and write because he was not taught Welsh. In case he didn't know, children in Welsh medium education can read, write and speak just as well as anyone else - and in two languages, not just one.

In fact, I feel being bilingual in English and Welsh has helped me to learn German more easily.

I am interested that Mr Lacombe is so desperate to find out all the translations of Welsh street names in Barry - perhaps if he'd paid more attention at school, he'd be able to understand them for himself.

I am glad I have received my education through the medium of Welsh. I have friends as well in English medium schools who very much appreciate the opportunity to learn the language of their country.

Our language should be a source of pride and it is regrettable that there is such apathy towards it from some people.

Luke Pearce, aged 16, (A pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf) Romilly Road Y Barri Bro Morgannwg