Requirement: a Multi-Language site.
MIDR Cymru (Myfyrwyr a Ieuenctid y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru - or, the Welsh Liberal Democrats Youth & Students) approached WEBMESTERS in December 2005 and asked us to redevelop their site - www.midrcymru.org.uk. Key aspects of their requirements were a modern look & feel to the site, full content management capability, and multi-language implementation - English and Welsh.
The original requirement was for language selection to be made on the initial landing page, in keeping with most multi-language sites. An enquiry was also made as to whether we could develop the site in such a way that it would always remember and use the initial language selection made on any particular PC.
A Truly Multi-Language Solution.
In our opinion, the whole point of making this particular site multi-language is to promote the usage/understanding of Welsh amongst the potentially Welsh speaking population. Having only one place (i.e the initial page) to make a language selection seemed wrong. Having the computer remembering to always use the language you initially selected (most probably English) seemed even worse.
So, WEBMESTERS went beyond the specification to deliver a true multi-language site.
As well as the initial page, language (English or Welsh) can be selected on any page throughout the entire site. This means that a specific MIDR Cymru news item, for example, can be toggled between English and Welsh. The user doesn't have to go all the way back to the initial page to switch language.
We feel that designing the site in this way increases the possibility of users choosing to view the site in Welsh. Having to make the stark choice of Welsh vs English at the outset is surely a dis-incentive to all but fluent Welsh speakers. With the MIDR Cymru site, novice Welsh speakers are encouraged to use and improve their Welsh whilst experienced Welsh speakers who would prefer to trust their English if push came to shove are now more likely to choose "Cymraeg", knowing they can switch at any time/place.
Even inquisitive Anglophiles have the option of picking up a bit of Welsh as they go along.
Diwedd. |