Welsh language tools
Technology can help children and young people to read, write, communicate and learn in Welsh.
Legal disclaimer
Technology for Welsh additional learning needs
This page includes a list of technology resources intended to help us all use more Welsh. These resources are provided for interest and awareness only.
The list is not official, and inclusion on this page does not mean that Welsh Government endorses, recommends, approves or funds any product, supplier or resource.
Welsh Government has not independently tested, verified or evaluated the effectiveness, quality, accessibility, suitability, security or value for money of any product or resource included on this page.
Users should consider their own needs, accessibility requirements and procurement arrangements and seek professional advice, where appropriate, before deciding whether any product or resource is suitable for them.
Other products and resources may also be available.
Welsh Government is not responsible for the content, availability or operation of third-party websites or resources accessed through links on this page.
We may update the list from time to time, but we do not guarantee that the information remains complete, accurate or up to date.
The following tools can help learners:
listen to Welsh text
scan words in a book or worksheet
make text larger or easier to see
understand unfamiliar words
practice reading and phonics
Assistive technology | How it can help |
|---|---|
Bilingual Welsh and English voices that can be used with a screen reader. | |
Welsh voices developed by RNIB and IVONA, free for non-commercial use by individuals and organisations. | |
Welsh synthetic voices that work with Microsoft products. | |
A Welsh text-to-speech reader. | |
Scans Welsh text and reads it aloud through headphones, including in supported exam settings. | |
Colourful Welsh stories for parents and carers to enjoy with young children. | |
Vocab | Shows the translation of an unfamiliar Welsh word when you point to it on a web page. |
A Chrome extension that highlights Welsh words to make them easier for learners to understand. |
The following tools can help learners to:
check spelling and grammar
find the right Welsh word
use a keyboard that predicts words
speak words instead of typing them
organise ideas before writing
Assistive technology | How it can help |
|---|---|
Includes Cysill for Welsh spelling and grammar and Cysgeir for Welsh words, meanings and grammatical information. Free licences are available for eligible users. | |
A predictive keyboard that learns and adapts to writing in Welsh and English. | |
Provides a Welsh-language interface and proofing support for Microsoft 365. | |
A terminology database, style guides and other resources for translating and creating content in Welsh. | |
Helps users draft in Welsh or understand Welsh text through translation. |
Some children use symbols, an app or a device to help them communicate. This is called augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC.
The following tools can help learners to:
make choices
say what they need
share ideas and feelings
communicate in Welsh
use a voice that is appropriate for their age.
Assistive technology | How it can help |
|---|---|
Symbol-based support from Tobii Dynavox to help children and young people communicate in Welsh. | |
Symbol-based communication support that can be used with Welsh CereProc voices. | |
16 bilingual voices for young people. They may be available through speech and language therapists or purchased from CereProc. |
Some tools may require support from the school, a speech and language therapist or an assistive technology service.
Many phones, tablets and computers already include accessibility features.
You can use these features to:
read text aloud
magnify the screen
change colour or contrast
add captions
use the keyboard instead of a mouse
control the device in a different way
Look for 'Accessibility' in the settings on a Chromebook, Windows device, iPhone, iPad or Android device. Not every feature is available in Welsh; the level of Welsh-language support should be shown beside each tool.
Assistive technology | How it can help |
A free, high-quality screen reader. Welsh voices need to be added separately. |
The following resources can help learners use more Welsh at home and at school.
Resources | Description |
|---|---|
Resources to support school work involving technology and the Welsh. | |
An interactive map with Welsh place names that can also be embedded in websites. | |
A directory of Welsh-language programs and apps. | |
Welsh-language tools for exploration, analysis, learning and reference. | |
Welsh-language coding workshops. |
Tools such as Copilot, Gemini and ChatGPT can help to:
explain text
suggest ideas
simplify a piece of work
draft or understand Welsh
An adult should help the learner to use them.
Do not share personal, medical or confidential information.
Check that answers are correct.
Remember that the quality of Welsh can vary.
Check the service’s age limit and terms.
Do not use AI instead of advice from a school or health professional.
Hwb guidance says that the use of AI in education should be safe, ethical and lawful.
Assistive technology | How can it help |
Microsoft Copilot | Microsoft’s AI assistant, with developing Welsh-language capability. |
Google Gemini | Google’s AI assistant, with developing Welsh-language capability. |
A Welsh-speaking AI personal assistant developed by Bangor University. | |
OpenAI ChatGPT | A generative AI tool with developing ability to process Welsh. |
If you are unsure which tool would best support a learner, seek advice from:
the school’s additional learning needs coordinator (ALNCo)
a specialist teacher or another education professional working with the learner
a speech and language therapist, where appropriate
if relevant, a healthcare professional who supports the learner
Contact us
Tell us if:
you use a useful Welsh-language resource
a tool does not work well in Welsh
a link is broken
information on the page needs to be updated
Get in touch with us at: AdditionalLearningNeedsBranch@gov.wales