The UK Government has accepted the Welsh Language Board’s advice that all government organisations serving the public in Wales should incorporate both Welsh and English into their websites. This was the key evidence given by the Board as part of a consultation exercise carried out earlier this year.

The Handbook on Web Design, issued by the UK Government, for web management teams, contains almost all the recommendations offered by the Board in relation to the Welsh language and bilingualism in websites.

Welsh Language Board Chair, Rhodri Williams, said:

“This is excellent news both for the Board and for the language itself, as statutory organisations operating in Wales will now have to consider the two languages when developing their sites on the internet.

“We are in a unique situation to offer advice to the UK Government, here at the Board, as providing advice on topics such as bilingual domain names for websites, equal prominence to both languages and direct navigation between parallel pages, is part of our everyday work.

“Our recommendations are all examples of best practice, and we are delighted that such an important document for those involved in developing websites includes all our advice and recommendations,” he added.

The Guidelines for UK Government Websites: an Illustrated Handbook for web management teams is available online at www.e-envoy.gov.uk/webguidelines.htm.

-Ends-