New Augmented Reality Application to Help in Preserving the Original Names Of Welsh Locations
Tro, a soon-to-be-launched augmented reality (AR) application will attempt to preserve the authentic names of Welsh places. It will also help people learn how to pronounce the names of these places.
Tro presently encompasses a portion of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail north section, stretching from Prestatyn to Chirk.
Users can download the application and venture out on the trail. Their phones will start vibrating when they reach the catchment regions of certain places.
They can then look at their mobile phone screens to observe their surroundings, and the names of these places will pop up at the exact locations. In addition, users can also hear the names pronounced by several voices of the locals.
A tiny symbol is offered in the application right by the names of the locations. Users can place a finger on the symbol to gain knowledge regarding the meaning of a location’s name, its history, and legends.
Eluned Morgan, the Minister for the Welsh Language, remarked regarding plans to raise the count of Welsh speakers to 1 million by 2050.
This objective can be achieved if all parties involved make using Welsh easy for people in their daily lives. Helping people use technology in the Welsh language is crucial for the success of the initiative. – Eluned Morgan
Morgan expressed his contentment for the fact that the Welsh Government could contribute towards funding for the TRO Mynyddoedd Pawb mobile application, describing it is an inspiring concept.
According to Morgan, enthusiastic walkers can discover the names of different Welsh places, as they take a stroll down the picturesque backdrop of northeastern Wales. This experience can be enjoyed with their own digital devices, in the Welsh language.
The concept of developing an application containing location names came to existence after post-conference discussions organised by Mynyddoedd Pawb at Glan-llyn, Urdd Outdoor Activity Centre. The app has been created with the collaboration of Mynyddoedd Pawb, Galactig, and Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.
The Cymraeg 2050 Grant of the Welsh Government was utilised to provide financial assistance to the project. This grant is offered to those projects that have the prospective flair of aiding the Government’s objective of driving up the count of Welsh speakers in the country by 2050. Other collaborators of the project include Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam and Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych.
The approval to use the books Place-Names of Flintshire and Dictionary of the Place-names of Wales was given by Ken Lloyd Gruffydd and Hywel Wyn Owen. These two resources were used to obtain all required information for the app.
The app can be downloaded by users when they visit the Tro.cymru website. Additional information regarding local language events can also be obtained from resources like the websites of Mentrau Iaith.
Tro is targeted towards locals, tourists, outdoor industries and schools in Wales. The Dee Valley and Clwydian Range region has been chosen as a pilot for the project.
The app can make an earnest effort to increase interest in the Welsh language.
