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OverviewÌý

Dr. Cynog Prys is a Senior Lecturer at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ, specializing in sociology, social policy, and language planning. He holds a PhD from Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ (2011), an MEd from the University of Rio Grande, Ohio (2005), and a First-Class degree in Sociology and Social Policy from Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ (2003). He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His co-authored series of Sociology e-books, Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg (Prys and Hodges), won a national award for Outstanding Welsh-Medium Learning Resource of the Year 2023, presented by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.Ìý

His main academic research area is the study of Welsh language use in everyday life. His work examines the use of Welsh by the public across various domains, including the community, healthcare, the third sector, and the economy. Additionally, he specializes in the use of minority languages within the digital domain, with a current focus on understanding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI)Ìýfor minority language speakers. Dr. Prys regularly publishes research in international journals, and his work is referenced in Welsh Government policy documents, including Cymraeg 2050: A Million Welsh Speakers. For further details, see his list of publications.Ìý

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Welsh in Civil SocietyÌý

Dr. Prys’ doctoral thesis (2011) presented a qualitative analysis of the experiences of Welsh language service users and providers in third-sector organizations in Gwynedd and Carmarthenshire. Since 2011, the use of Welsh within civil society has been a key focus of his academic work, resulting in numerous research reports and academic publications exploring Welsh language use in communities.Ìý

Recently, his research has focused on the relationship between the Welsh language and economic factors. In 2024, he was awarded a grant from the ARFOR Challenge Fund to develop a Bilingual Workforce Recruitment Toolkit to assist employers in recruiting staff with Welsh language skills. The aim is to support employers in addressing recruitment challenges while also supporting Welsh-speaking communities by matching Welsh speakers with Welsh-medium jobs, particularly in areas facing concerns about the outmigration of adults with Welsh language skills.Ìý

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Welsh in the Digital AgeÌý

Dr. Prys has been studying the use of Welsh in the digital world for over a decade. His interest began with a research project examining the use of Welsh on social media (see, for example, the work of Cunliffe et al., 2013). Since then, he has worked on numerous research projects and supervised doctoral studies in the field of language and technology, including work on how Welsh is used on apps and digital platforms.Ìý

Between 2020 and 2023, he served as Deputy Chair of the Language Rights group within the European research network Language in the Human-Machine Era. He contributed to and coordinated several European workshops, conferences, and events on linguistic rights in the digital age.Ìý

For an example of the network’s work, see The Dawn of the Human-Machine Era: A Forecast of New and Emerging Language Technologies:Ìý

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More recently, he has been a member of the UniNet (NPLD) working group on Artificial Intelligence and Minority Languages. In 2024, he co-authored a paper titled AI and Minority Language Use, presented at the Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity Conference.Ìý

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Commissions and Research ProjectsÌý

Dr. Prys also has extensive experience publishing commissioned reports for external funders, including the Welsh Language Commissioner, the Welsh Government, S4C, BBC Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, and other organizations. Additionally, he has collaborated with broadcasting companies such as Cwmni Da and Rondo Media. Contact him to discuss commissioned research work.Ìý

He also supervises several doctoral and MA students in the field of language planning. Current PhD students include:Ìý

• Artificial Intelligence and Welsh-Medium Education – Beca Owen (Lead Supervisor, funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).Ìý

• The Economy and the Welsh Language – Elen Bonner (Lead Supervisor, Martin Rhisiart Scholarship, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).Ìý

• Factors Influencing Language Acquisition Success in the Workplace – Dafydd Apolloni (Co-Supervisor, funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).Ìý

• Language Journeys: Young Speakers' Experiences as Welsh Speakers – Charlotte Amesbury (Co-Supervisor).Ìý

• Welsh in the Digital World: Experiences and Attitudes of Welsh Speakers in Gwynedd Using Welsh or Bilingual Apps – Shân Prichard (Lead Supervisor, KESS Scholarship/Cwmni Da).Ìý

• Strategic Management of Language Training in Public Sector Workplaces – Ifor Gruffudd.Ìý

• Viewing Habits and Choices of S4C Audiences – (KESS/S4C Scholarship).Ìý

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Digital Educational ResourcesÌý

Dr. Prys also has extensive experience in developing Welsh-medium educational resources, including the Sociology Multimedia Resource Pack (Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol) and the Digital Learning Materials Project (Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol/HEFCW). The Sociology Multimedia Resource Pack won the national award for Outstanding Welsh-Medium Resource at the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Annual Awards in 2023. He has a keen interest in using digital technologies in his teaching to enrich the experience of students and learners, particularly in Welsh-medium education.Ìý

• Sociology Multimedia Resource Pack (Prys and Hodges):Ìý

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• Digital Learning Materials Project (HEFCW/Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol – Prys, Principal Investigator):Ìý

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BroadcastingÌý

Dr. Prys is a regular contributor to Welsh broadcasting media, appearing on BBC Radio Cymru over 40 times to discuss current issues, including matters related to the Welsh language, the role of culture and social norms in behaviour, and social change, especially in the digital age. He has also contributed to S4C programs and print media.Ìý

Here is a selection of his contributions:Ìý

AI: Y Gwalch neu’r GwychÌý

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Codi bawd ac ysgwyd llaw (Podlediad Aled Hughes, BBC Radio Cymru) Ìý

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2024

• E-pub ahead of print
  Bonner, E., Prys, C., Mitchelmore, S. & Hodges, R., 21 Mar 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. 17 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 16 Apr 2024, Heritage Languages in the Digital Age: The Case of Autochthonous Minority Languages in Western Europe. Ahrendt, B. & Reershemius, G. (eds.). Multilingual Matters, p. 103-127
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
• Published
  Bonner, E., Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Mitchelmore, S., 7 Aug 2024, In: Current issues in language planning. 25, 4, p. 394-415 22 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Prys, C., 24 Jun 2024.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2023

• Published
  Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 24 Mar 2023, (Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg)
  Research output: Book/Report › Book
• Published
  Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 24 Mar 2023, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book
• Published
  Hodges, R., Prys, C., Bonner, E. (Contributor), Orrell, A. (Contributor) & Gruffydd, I. (Contributor), 28 Jul 2023, 85 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• Published
  Gruffydd, I., Hodges, R. & Prys, C., Sept 2023, In: Current issues in language planning. 24, 4, p. 380-399 20 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Prys, C. & Matthews, D., Sept 2023, In: Current issues in language planning. 24, 4, p. 400-419
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2022

• Published
  Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 9 Dec 2022, BBC Cymru Fyw.
  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
• Published
  Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 15 Dec 2022, The Conversation.
  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

2021

• Published
  Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Roberts, G., 13 Aug 2021, In: Linguistic Minorities & Society Journal/Revue Minorités linguistiques et société. 15-16, p. 87-110
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Nyqvist, F., Häkkinen, E., Bouchard, L. & Prys, C., 1 Sept 2021, In: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology. 36, p. 285-307
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• Published
  Prys, C. & Hodges, R., 15 Dec 2020, Cyflwyniad i ieithyddiaeth. Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, p. 163-169 7 p.
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• Published
  Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Aaron, H. (Illustrator), 1 Jul 2020, 1 ed. Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. 30 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book

2019

• Published
  Lewis, S., Thomas, H., Grover, T., Glyn, E., Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Roberts, E., 12 Feb 2019, Welsh Government.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• Published
  Gathercole, V., Thomas, E., Vinas-Guasch, N., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N., Roberts, E., Hughes-Parry, E. & Jones, L., 12 Jun 2019, Bilingualism, Executive Function, and Beyond: Questions and insights. Sekerina, I., Spradlin, L. & Valian, V. (eds.). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins, Vol. 57 . p. 295-336 42 p. (Studies in Bilingualism; vol. 57).
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
• Published
  Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 27 May 2019, In: Current issues in language planning. 20, 3, p. 207-225
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2018

• Published
  Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Aaron, H. (Illustrator), 2018, 44 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
• Published
  Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Aaron, H. (Illustrator), 1 Oct 2018, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. 37 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book

2017

• Published
  Hodges, R. & Prys, C., 7 Aug 2017, ISSUU. 152 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

2016

• Published
  Gathercole, V. C. M., Thomas, E. M., Viñas Guasch, N., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N. E., Roberts, E. J., Hughes, E. K. & Jones, L., Oct 2016, In: Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism. 6, 5, p. 605-647
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2015

• Published
  Hodges, R., Prys, C., Orrell, A., Williams, S. & Williams, E., 7 Oct 2015, Welsh Government. 172 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

2014

• Published
  Kennedy, I. A., Young, N. E., Gathercole, V. C., Thomas, E. M., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N., Viñas Guasch N., [. V., Roberts, E. J., Hughes, E. K. & Jones, L., 5 Feb 2014, In: Frontiers in Psychology: Developmental Psychology. 5
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Prys, C., Hodges, R., Mann, R., Collis, B. & Roberts, R., 2 Oct 2014, Welsh Government.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

2013

• Published
  McAllister, F., Blunt, A., Prys, C., Evans, C., Jones, E. & Evans, I., 2 Jul 2013, Welsh Government. 123 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• Published
  Cunliffe, D., Morris, D., Prys, C., Jones, E. H. (Editor) & Uribe-Jongbloed, E. (Editor), 1 Jan 2013, Social Media and Minority Languages. 2013 ed. p. 75-86
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• Published
  Cunliffe, D., Morris, D. & Prys, C., 1 Apr 2013, In: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 18, 3, p. 339-361
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2012

• Published
  Morris, D., Cunliffe, D. & Prys, C., 1 Jan 2012, In: Sociolinguistic Studies. 6, 1, p. 1-20
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2010

• Published
  Prys, C., 1 Aug 2010, In: Contemporary Wales. 23, 1, p. 184-200
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2006

• Published
  Muntz, R., Edwards, R. T., Tunnage, B., Prys, C. & Roberts, G. W., 1 Jan 2006, In: Psychologist in Wales. 18, p. 21-25
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2024

• A series of co-produced workshops with public, private and third sector employers from Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd and Môn discussing challenges and good practice in recruiting a workforce with skills in the Welsh language. As part of a project funded by the Cronfa Her Arfor Fund.

  Jul 2024 – Sep 2024

  Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)

2020

• Invited speaker to present at an international conference, Minority Languages in the Digital Age. Usage, Maintenance and Teaching, Grieswald, Germany

  11 Dec 2020

  Links:

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

• Cyflwyniad Gwyl Gwyddorau Cymdeithas, ESRC Festival of Social Sciences

  12 Nov 2020

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

2017

• Papur yn cyflwyno prif ganlyniadau ymchwil a gomisiynwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru o'n hastudiaeth ymchwil, Defnyddio'r Gymraeg yn y Gymuned, 2015

  5 Jul 2017

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Panel discussion: Language, community and civil society in Wales today, AHRC Research Network - Language Revitalization and Social Transformation 22-23 May (2017), Aberystwyth University

  22 May 2017

  Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)

2013

• Symposiwm Cynllunio Ieithyddol rhyngwladol yn trafod yr angen i gynnwys strategaethau cynllunio ieithyddol holistig y tu hwnt i'r ystafell ddosbarth er mwyn hyrwyddo defnydd cymdeithasol fwy eang o ieithoedd lleiafrifol fel y Gymraeg

  An International Language Planning Symposium discussing the need to include holistic language planning strategies beyond the classroom to faciliate wider social use of minoritized languages such as Welsh

  8 Mar 2013

  Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)

• 01/01/2024 – 15/01/2025 (Active)

• 01/03/2022 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)

• 01/10/2015 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)

  Links:

• 01/10/2015 – 31/08/2023 (Finished)

• 01/08/2013 – 31/07/2014 (Finished)

  Links: