Richard Buckeley strengthens his contribution to the Welsh language after graduating with a Certificate in Language Policy and Planning from UWTSD
Richard Buckeley who works for the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) has graduated with a Certificate in Language Policy and Planning from University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).
Richard, who is originally from Cornwall, moved to Swansea about five and a half years ago after an international career in education and international development. His first job in Wales was as a Student Adviser at UWTSD Students’ Union, and he has continued to work in the Welsh higher education centre ever since. Richard said:
“Since I arrived in Wales, the Welsh language has enriched my personal life. I’m proud to have used Welsh in my professional life since the beginning.”
In his present role, Richard leads on Welsh affairs with his employer. He chose to study the Language Policy and Planning Certificate in order to deepen his understanding of the wider cultural context and ensure that his organisation’s work goes beyond just complying with Welsh Language Standards.
“I was keen to ensure that we were doing more than just complying with the Welsh Standards in a tokenistic way. The Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies has a good reputation in the field, and the course fitted my timetable perfectly.”
Prior to starting the course, Richard was hoping to develop the confidence to contribute to conversations relating to the Welsh language, including sensitive or controversial topics, as well as strengthening his ability to write and speak Welsh for academic purposes. After following an international career, he has already learned and worked through the medium of several languages, including Mandarin. He studied pedagogy and linguistics at postgraduate level through the medium of Mandarin at Beijing University of Language and Culture in 2009-10, and was looking forward to the challenge of achieving a higher level in Welsh.
One of the highlights of the course for Richard was hearing about the experiences of lecturers and fellow students and gaining a deeper understanding of the meaning of Welsh in their professional and personal lives. He added:
“At the beginning, I had a bit of ‘imposter syndrome’, but I soon found that many native speakers experience the same thing. Our conversations in seminars helped us to understand how the linguistic context creates this lack of confidence, and it gave us the tools to address it.
He also praised the support he received from tutors and Student Services, especially the extra session on academic writing.
“If I compare my last essay with my first essay, I can see a tremendous difference.” The tutors were always available to help us to develop ideas for presentations and essays. Instead of giving us the answers, they challenged us to reframe our questions in order to find the answers on our own. There was also a lot of encouragement to be enterprising – I always felt comfortable suggesting creative ideas or sharing controversial points of view in seminars.”
Professor Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones, one of the course lecturers, said:
It is a pleasure teaching every year on the Post Graduate course in Language Policy and Planning. The students – like Richard – are dedicated and attentive and contribute so much to the success of the course. It is wonderful to read about his journey and what the course has given him.”
Richard would recommend the course to others, whether they are native speakers or new speakers. He added:
“The workers are world-class experts in the field, with the perfect balance of academic and practical insight.”
The course has already had an effect on Richard’s work, as he works in a role where he can put all that he’s learned into practice straight away. He said:
“My employer has supported me throughout my studies too – they recognise the importance of the Welsh language to our strategic objectives as an organisation.”
Outside of work, Richard volunteers with Menter Iaith Abertawe, where he hopes to use his new information to improve the experiences of volunteers and clients.
Looking to the future, Richard hopes to continue to build on his employer’s commitment to the Welsh language and help to expand the range of services provided through the medium of Welsh.
Kara Lewis, the Language and Planning Certificate Co-ordinator from the University’s Centre for Welsh Language Service added:
“It’s extremely encouraging to see our students gaining confidence and develop as practitioners in the field of language policy and planning. Every year, we hear inspiring stories about how the course has influenced their work and empowers them to make a real difference in their communities and organisations.”
To have a conversation about the Certificate or to apply for a place in September, please contact kara.lewis@pcydds.ac.uk.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476