Place and identity: Wales, ‘Welshness’ and the Welsh language

In this article I discuss the relationship between place and identity. I focus attention on two specific themes: firstly, the link between place and identity at the regional scale, and, secondly, the role played by maps as powerful representations of the association between place and identity. Using a case study of maps of Welsh-language ability, I show how maps have tended to reinforce a particular kind of association between the Welsh language, Welsh identity and place. I then proceed to outline how alternative maps can help us to approach the link between the Welsh language, ‘Welshness’ and place in different ways. Finally, I conclude by noting the significance of such themes in both academic and policy contexts.