Eryri National Park Decides to Use Welsh Names Exclusively
In a move to honour the Welsh language and culture, Eryri National Park in North Wales has decided to continue referring to its highest mountain peak and the national park itself by their Welsh names only. In November 2022, the park authority voted to use “Yr Wyddfa” instead of “Snowdon” for the mountain peak, and “Eryri” instead of “Snowdonia” for the national park in all official communications. The decision has been embraced by both locals and visitors, with surveys conducted over the summer indicating strong support for the change.
A report presented to the authority on November 13 highlighted the widespread adoption of the Welsh names by many businesses in the area. The motion to use only Welsh names was initially proposed in April 2022 by Gwynedd councillor John Pughe Roberts, with the belief that it would promote engagement with the Welsh language and culture on a global scale. It was seen as a way to show respect for the cultural heritage of the region.
The debate surrounding the use of Welsh place names has sparked discussions across Wales. In October 2022, the Football Association of Wales attracted attention when it was revealed that informal talks had taken place with UEFA about its name on the eve of the World Cup in Qatar. Following suit, in April 2023, the Brecon Beacons National Park authority announced its decision to be known exclusively by its Welsh name. Moreover, a petition in September of the same year advocated for Wales to be solely referred to as Cymru, though a counter-petition labelled it a misuse of public funds.
The report from Eryri National Park suggests making pronunciation guides available to assist with the transition to Welsh names. Additionally, there is a proposal to update the park authority’s logo, which currently includes the term ‘Snowdonia’. These changes aim to further embed the Welsh identity and language within the park’s official communications and branding.
The shift towards embracing Welsh names exclusively is seen as a positive step towards celebrating the linguistic and cultural richness of Wales. By choosing to use Yr Wyddfa and Eryri over Snowdon and Snowdonia, Eryri National Park is setting a precedent for linguistic inclusivity and cultural pride in the region. The move reflects a broader trend in Wales towards recognising and preserving the heritage and language of the country.
As the authority continues to champion the use of Welsh names, it sends a powerful message about the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. The decision to prioritise Welsh names in official communications and branding not only pays homage to the region’s history but also encourages a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Welsh language and culture among locals and visitors alike.
With the overwhelmingly positive response from the community and businesses in the area, Eryri National Park’s commitment to using Welsh names exclusively serves as a testament to the enduring significance of preserving and promoting the Welsh language and cultural heritage. As discussions surrounding Welsh place names continue to evolve across Wales, Eryri’s decision stands out as a symbol of pride and respect for the country’s linguistic and cultural identity.