Field Activities Page 2 of 3 Cultural Geography Aims of this activity: This activity focuses on the relationship between culture and place in Caernarfon. It aims to look at the contribution of the Welsh language - a central component of Welsh culture - to the 'sense of place' - or personality - of Caernarfon. The activity also introduces the concept of the 'Cultural Landscape', which is important in cultural geography. It refers to the landscape as modified by human activity, and the ways in which the landscape itself reflects,the culture which created it. Cultural landscape is a term which is frequently used to refer to rural areas. However, it can also be applied to urban areas - where it can be called the Cultural Townscape. Aims: To look at the relationship between culture (in this case the Welsh language) and place (in this case townscape) in North Wales To look at the contribution of the Welsh language to the townscape (or cultural townscape) of Caernarfon On this sheet are a series of questions telling you what sort of things to look out for as you walk round the town. There is no data collection as such involved. Instead you are asked to observe, interpret and evaluate what you see. There is scope to be subjective in your interpretation. This is known as qualitative research a technique which is becoming increasingly fashionable in human geography. This booklet contains spaces for your observations and you should fill it in as you walk round the town. Firstly, go for a walk around Caernarfon. Try to get a feel for its 'atmosphere' or the ambience' or 'personality' or 'sense of place'. Write below how you would describe the 'feel' or 'sense of place' of Caernarfon Very picturesque and has an old traditional feel. Many bars, cafes and shops gives an indication of the effects of tourism. The castle is the main attraction point and the centre of the town. The town has a large harbour and redevelopment encourages tourists. Unlike Barmouth, the town seems more 'Welsh' with it's language and writing more present. Many more people speak Welsh. Note the written use of the Welsh Language around you in the townscape of Caernarfon. What examples do you find of : a) English language only Signs in castle 'keep of grass' Shop signs - SALE - aimed at English tourists b) Welsh language only Little evidence - shows how strong and influential the English language is. c) Bilingualism (i.e. Welsh and English Languages together) Road signs, Bus stops, etc. Tourist information - castle Where you encounter bilingualism, on what occasions do you have: a) English before Welsh Instructions - Keep off grass Tourist shops, cafes use English before Welsh. Main income is from the English. b) Welsh before English Road signs, bus stops Tourist information - gives idea that area is more 'Welsh'. Welsh is main language. Also instruction signs. You will see the Welsh language in its written form all around Caernarfon. Each example will tell you something about the motives of the people who have put it there. What instances can you see of: a) Genuine concern for the Welsh language Council control road signs and directions. They have a concern for the Welsh language and keep it present. b) 'Political correctness' with regard to the Welsh language (i.e providing Welsh so to offend anyone, rather than out of any genuine concern for the Welsh language) National rugby shirt has Welsh name in welsh language and not in english. c) Token gestures towards the Welsh language Tourist shops and cafes who thrive on English visitors use Welsh language so as not to upset locals, not because they, themselves have a concern for the language. d) Indifference towards the Welsh language Some tourist shops use English with no concern to the Welsh language as they are not aimed towards Welsh. You should have noted by now that different organisations make use of the Welsh language in different ways. Each organisation will have their own policy (or view) towards the Welsh language - which indicates how important they think it is. On the basis of your observations what can you say about the policy towards the Welsh language of: a) Local Government (e.g. local council services, including public services and amenities, Snowdonia National Park) Local Councils try and conserve Welsh language and have concern towards the language - street signs have Welsh first, and implementing that tourist shops use the Welsh language. b) The public sector (Government organisations or former Government organisations, e.g. the Post Office, British Rail, Gas and Electricity boards, etc) There is a recent policy law that states everthing has to be bilingual. P.O. has concern for Welsh language. c) The private sector (independent of Government and run to make a profit. e.g. shops and banks, other private businesses) Due to law they have to implement Welsh language, but are not concerned for Welsh language and this is why English comes before Welsh in many of these shops. d) The charitable/voluntary sector (charities and non-profit making organisations. e.g. the National Trust) These stick to the law, but do have more concern and tokens of gestures towards the Welsh, and have no gain from profitable tourists. Remember that Geographers are fundamentally interested in spatial patterns and distributions. Are there any spatial patterns in the distribution of Welsh/English/Bilingnalism in Caernarfon? Are you more likely to find Welsh in the centre of the town? Are you more likely to find English away from the centre? Or are there no patterns at all. The centre of the town is tourist orientated and so therefore has slightly more English, but is mainly bilingual. As the town moves outwards, more people speak Welsh. But I think the influence of towns like Bangor influence the very rural outskirts, with their English speaking people and influence. But I feel that overall, the spatial distribution is not much different. Listen out for Welsh being spoken: is it a living language in Caernarfon? Who are the people speaking it (young?, old?) What sort of people do you hear speaking English in Caernarfon? Definitely a living language. More young speak English than old - reluctance to change, and strong traditions, but both young and old equally speak Welsh as first language. Many people speak English and Welsh in same conversation and easily switch between the two. Talk to local people (perhaps in a coffee shop). What do they say about the role and future of the Welsh language in Caernarfon? Definitely strong attitudes towards keeping language. Emphasis on keeping language in families and schools. As this is key to keeping Welsh alive in Caernarfon and try to resist dominance of English, especially brought with tourism. 90% speak Welsh as first language, and this is increasing. On the basis of what you've seen, what can you say about the future of the Welsh language in Caernarfon? Do you think it will thrive, survive or decline? Why do you say this? I think the Welsh language will stay just as important as it is now, if not improve. The new law and Welsh assembly emphasises the determination to keep the language in the area. Finally - do you notice any differences in the use of the Welsh language in Caernarfon with what you have already seen in Barmouth In Barmouth there was far more English written and spoken, but at first Barmouth did feel 'Welsh' until I came here and saw even more Welsh spoken and written, which made me realise how much Barmouth has changed due to tourism. Maybe Caernarfon will become more like Barmouth in the future. Nick Tucker | 1 | 2 | 3 | Page 2 of 3