A thriving coastal city in the United Kingdom
Languages of Swansea
Swansea, a thriving coastal city with digital technology embedded into it’s core, located in the South West of Wales, on the western side of the United Kingdom, is home to a diverse and friendly population. Many languages are spoken throughout the city, in homes and across communities.
Swansea is a UK-recognised City of Sanctuary
City of Sanctuary
Many local groups actively welcome and support asylum seekers that are looking to integrate and become a part of the local community.
Asylum seekers often face significant emotional and psychological challenges after fleeing conflict or persecution. The trauma of displacement, combined with the stress of adapting to a new culture and language, can sometimes be overwhelming. Local and national groups, such as community organisations, charities, or faith-based institutions, create welcoming environments where asylum seekers can feel safe, make local connections, and be supported.
Swansea is located on the south west coast of Wales
Where is Swansea?
Swansea is both a city and a county; the beautiful coastal city of Swansea is located in south west Wales, which is on the western part of the United Kingdom. Swansea is home to over fifty stunning beaches and features the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Gower Peninsula. By train, Swansea is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from London Paddington.
Swansea is also a half an hour drive from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park – sometimes referred to as the Brecon Beacons.
Swansea is also known in Welsh as, Abertawe. Swansea is twinned with Mannheim in Germany, Ferrara in Italy, and Pau in France.
Swansea's residents primarily speak English
What are the two main languages spoken in Swansea?
The two main languages spoken in Swansea are English and Welsh.
English is the most common language spoken in Swansea. Some schools focus on delivering learning in English, and others in Welsh, yet both Welsh and English are taught in all schools, and treated equally by law.
Parents and carers who speak only English can still elect to send their children to a Welsh-medium school, and often learn incidental Welsh as a result.
A multilingual and multicultural city
What other languages are spoken in Swansea?
Five of the most common languages spoken in Swansea, other than English and Welsh, include:
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- Polish
- Arabic,
- Bengali,
- Hindi, and
- Punjabi.
Many other languages are spoken in Swansea including, and certainly not limited to: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Kurdish, Greek, Ukrainian, Persian, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
Swansea's Culture of Hospitality
Why is Swansea a safe place for speakers of different languages?
Swansea is considered a safe place for speakers of different languages, with a welcoming atmosphere for all. The city became the UK’s second City of Sanctuary in 2010 – the first in Wales to do so.
As a City of Sanctuary, Swansea is committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.
There are various community groups and resources available to help people integrate into the local community. Swansea is known for it’s welcoming attitude towards diversity and integration of cultures.
Speak to your child's school in the first instance
How can Swansea Council help with English as an Additional Language (EAL)?
Swansea Council offers support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners through their EAL service team, which provides advice and guidance to schools and families with language support needs.
If your child is attending school in Swansea and feel that you or your child need support in interpreting or translating related to their education, you should first speak directly with the school so they can make a referral to the service team.
