A professor from Wrexham University has criticised bilingual Welsh-English road signs as “unintelligible” and “potentially dangerous”. Dr Nigel Hunt, a psychology expert, made the comments about signs he had reportedly seen across Wales in a Facebook group called the Department of Petty Rage. He argued that bilingual signs should just be written in English and that signs in two languages were dangerous as they could take longer to determine the message. Hunt also stated that the Welsh language was declining in Wales, despite efforts to promote it.
Dr Hunt’s comments attracted complaints to Wrexham University, which apologised and said it would investigate. One social media user called the professor’s comments towards the Welsh language “appalling” and said that his colleagues had a duty to treat Welsh students with respect. Another user said it was disappointing to see a professor mock the Welsh language and demand the removal of Welsh signage. The Welsh government has set a target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 and the language has equal status with English under legislation passed in 2011.
In its response to the comments, Wrexham University said that the remarks did not reflect its views or values and that it was a Welsh institution proud of its history and heritage. The institution added that it was committed to the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and that the Welsh language had equal status with English and should not be treated less favourably.
As part of its internal investigation, the university will consider Dr Hunt’s intentions with his comments, the way in which he expressed them and how he will avoid similar issues in the future. The story is likely to reignite debate about the use of the Welsh language, particularly on road signs, and attitudes to its promotion and preservation
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