Professor fuels language debate

The Mabinigion is an ancient symbol of Welsh culture

The debate on the future of the Welsh language is set to be reignited by a commentator who will suggest incomers to Welsh-speaking communities should "fit in" to the local culture.

Professor Harold Carter is a key speaker at the Welsh Assembly's review of the Welsh language on Wednesday in Swansea.

John Elfed Jones: Public apology

Mr Carter will suggest that people moving into a culturally distinct area should respect that the character of the culture is paramount.

The academic's comments will add more weight to the Welsh language debate which has been continuing for months, since Gwynedd councillor Seimon Glyn reignited concerns about the fate of Welsh-speaking communities.

Mr Glyn controversially stated that incomers were a "drain on resources" in traditional communities.

Since then, leading figures on both sides of the debate have weighed in with their opinions.

Former Plaid Cymru deputy president Gwilym ab Ioan quit his position after comments he made on the issue.

The former chairman of the Welsh Language Board, John Elfed Jones, apologised for remarks he made about in-migration to Wales earlier this year.

Seimon Glyn: Re-ignited language debate

In Swansea, Prof Carter is expected to dismiss what he calls the "politically correct silliness of multiculturalism".

He wants the committee to state unequivocally that its concern is the culture of Wales, of which the language is a critical part.

Prof Carter is also set to seek a commitment to planning and economic regeneration to help safeguard the language's future.

He will warn of a global trend towards a world where everyone speaks English and drinks Coca-Cola.

Earlier this month, the Wales Labour Party was attacked by Newport West MP Paul Flynn for "shamefully" ignoring the state of the Welsh language in order to further the party's electoral position.

Mr Flynn, in an article for the Welsh language magazine Barn, said greater efforts had to be made to protect the Welsh language.

The MP said some Labour politicians were guilty of joining a tabloid "witchhunt" against the language "in the belief that it is politically advantageous".