Tynged Yr Iaith

"Tynged yr Iaith" (meaning "The fate of the language") was a radio lecture delivered in Welsh by Saunders Lewis on February 13, 1962. Reaction to it brought about a major change in the politics of Wales. Historian John Davies has said that the lecture was "the catalyst" for the formation of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, and the start of a period of direct-action agitation to enhance the status of the Welsh language. Its direct effect on the formation of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg is described in a history of that society. It has been said that "of all the memorable phrases coined in the twentieth century none has greater resonance for the Welsh speaker than 'Tynged yr Iaith . . . which still haunts or inspires champions of the native tongue on the cusp of the new millennium". It had the unintended effect of establishing language agitation as a movement separate from the mainstream of nationalist politics. The burgeoning effects from the initial stimulus of "Tynged yr Iaith" were listed by Gwyn Williams:

• Formation of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg
• Direct action against offices, roadsigns, TV masts: sit-ins and demonstrations
• Drive to create Welsh-language schools
• Positive discrimination in favour of Welsh
• Use of the Israeli model to encourage take-up of the language by adults
• Secretary of State for Wales 1964
• Welsh Language Act 1967
• Creation of S4C
• Mushrooming of Welsh language publishing, film production, pop and rock, youth and urban music.