Snowdon: Park to use mountain's Welsh name Yr Wyddfa

Wales’ highest mountain will be referred to by its Welsh name, rather than the English equivalent, park authorities have agreed. Snowdonia National Park Authority voted to use Yr Wyddfa and Eryri rather than Snowdon and Snowdonia. It said it was spurred to “decisive action” after 5,000 people signed a petition calling for the change.

Yr Wyddfa stands at 3,560ft (1,085m) and attracts about 400,000 walkers a year.

Naomi Jones, the park’s head of cultural heritage, said Welsh place names were part of Eryri’s “special qualities”. “By referring to our most renowned landmarks by their Welsh names, we give people from all over the world the opportunity to engage with the Welsh language and its rich culture,” she said.

The park was already using Welsh names on the English versions of publications and digital communications, a process it will continue as materials were updated.

Ms Jones added that many public bodies already used Yr Wyddfa and Eryri. “This is very encouraging and gives us confidence that this change in the authority’s approach will be accepted for the benefit of the Welsh language and as a mark of respect to our cultural heritage,” she said.

I’m delighted to hear that … :+1:

2 Likes

I sat here trying to say these out loud…y’know, just in case it comes up in conversation :joy:

1 Like

On the case!

1 Like

And this one :rofl:

Ahhh I was doing it with the wrong emphasis…this helps, thanks!

1 Like

When I was at school we used to belt out an English translation of Men of Harlech in the choir

I never knew what this verse meant until now!

As the rivers of Eryri
Sweep the vale with flooded fury,
Gwalia from her mountain eyrie
Thunders on the foe!
Now, avenging Briton,
Smite as he wa smitten
Let your rage
on history’s page
In Saxon blood be written !
His lance is long, but yours is longer
Strong his sword, but yours is stronger!
One blow more
and then your wronger
At your feet lies low !

The plan by the Welsh to use their own language for place names intrigues me, let alone me getting the pronunciation correct. We have holidayed in Abergele for a number of years not knowing the village is pronounced as Abergela not Abergelee. No one ever corrected us. I remember once asking a local what Dym Parcio meant he said free parking. Someone kindly corrected him and said No Parking. I imagine/hope he only said it in fun!!