Wales is getting ready to regulate on linguistic affairs soon. According to BBC, the Welsh Assembly will be allowed to promote its own language policies and the rights of Welsh-speakers -between 510.000 and 600.000, in accordance with Linguamon data- from February 10 onwards. The coalition government, made up of Labour Party and pro-independence Plaid Cymru, has announced it is to propose the first legislative package on March 1, Saint David day, the country's patron saint.

The first bill will establish the appointment of a Commissioner for the Welsh language, who will watch over the use of Welsh on a daily basis. One of the most important tasks of the commissioner will be to ensure the use of Welsh in the public administration and certain private sectors such as transport and services. It is even given the legal authority to fine companies that doesn't meet the minimum standards, BBC reports.

Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said the measure aims at granting "more rights" to Welsh-speakers, particularly in the service sector, and give "the regulatory body more powers and relevant sanctions to guarantee that what is being promised is being delivered".

It is expected that language powers will move to Cardiff (Caerdydd, in Welsh) on February 10 through royal approval. The Welsh language legislative competence order (LCO) had to be approved by the Welsh and British parliaments. Once it comes into force it will provide a legal framework to pass new legislation without London's permission.

Further information:

• BBC: Language law powers to move to Wales 'from next week'
• Welsh Assembly: www.assemblywales.org
• Nationalia:Cardiff asks London to transfer language powers to grant official status for Welsh

See the Wales profile and the dossier Peoples and nations today: Wales for further information.