According to the Penarth Times, the town council of Penarth (Wales, UK) will have to translate its Summer and Christmas festival brochures into Welsh after receiving complaints, including from the Penarth Welsh Language Society. Read article here.

The Welsh Language Act 1993, which the town council is subject to, states that organisations must prepare a Welsh language scheme that ensures both English and Welsh are treated equally in public services.

It shows that offering English-only communication isn’t necessarily a great option. Companies, town councils, among others should cater to other linguistic needs. Preserving language diversity is important. As there is a Welsh medium school in Penarth, it does make sense to develop materials in the local language to make sure that the language can be used and practised is all parts of life, not just within the walls of schools.

Did you know that Icelandair, Iceland’s main airline, has implemented a unique program to promote its language to tourists? The airline uses every opportunity to teach its passengers about the national language. From the moment you use the entertainment system to your own cushion, you can learn some Icelandic words.

Promoting local languages is a great way to boost tourism, upgrade your image and offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Think of Ireland. Isn’t it absolutely lovely and authentic to soak in the true Irish culture when visiting a small town where even road signs are written in Irish? After the era of mass consumption, there is now a move back to authenticity and uniqueness. For more info on that new phenomenon, read my previous article about Translation in the Retail Industry about highly personalised offers.