Madam,

I was pleased to read a reply to my recent letter to the Cambrian News (‘Depressing attitude of a number of incomers’).

Alas, it was not the reasoned argument for which I had hoped.

Eric Richards of Aberdyfi mentioned the word ‘irony’ in his response to my letter; the irony here is that he appears to have replied to a letter that he did not bother to read properly. Since he has misinterpreted my argument, I would like to correct him on a few points.

Firstly, Mr. Richards accused me of being unaware – or unwilling to admit - that both the English and Welsh languages are equal under law. I am perfectly aware of this fact, and I wholeheartedly support this. Indeed, I made this clear in my first letter. My complaint was that some incomers to Meirionnydd seem to believe that the Welsh language ought to be of secondary importance.

Secondly, Mr Richards recycled the lazy accusation that I seek to ‘impose’ the Welsh language on others. I did not state a wish to ‘impose’ the Welsh language on anyone. I asked that incomers respect our Welsh language and culture. I used the term ‘welcome’ to show that we are not all opposed to ‘outsiders’ coming to live here. On the contrary, many incomers make valuable contributions to our communities, and we are pleased to welcome them (be they English, non-Welsh-speakers from other parts of Wales, etc).

Finally, Mr Richards by way of a bizarre conclusion to his letter took issue with my use of the word ‘incomers’. What, precisely, is so objectionable about the term? I used it to identify people who move to the area to live, as any reasonable person might.

I argue simply for an attitude of respect and fairness. Is this really too much to ask?

Mr C H Jones, Tywyn