Abstract
This paper describes the adaptation of Cued Speech for use with the Welsh language. The background to the development and use of Cued Speech is briefly described, along with the ability to adapt the system for languages other than English. The phonology of Welsh is described, and it is noted that Welsh has two main varieties (northern and southern) that differ phonologically in the number of vocalic units that are used, as well as some differences in the consonantal system. The CuedSpeech adaptation needed to be able to account for these dialectal differences. The large number of vocalic units in Welsh, and a number of unusual consonants resulted in modifications to the vowel positions and consonant handshapes. With the formal adaptation of Cued Welsh, deaf individuals have the opportunity to acquire access to the spoken form of the Welsh language. Readers working with Cued Speech and wishing to adapt it to new language varieties will find the example illustrated in this paper interesting and instructive.
Conclusion
This description of the adaptation of Cued Speech to the Welsh language demonstrates that Cued Speech can be adapted to other languages by people other than its inventor, provided its basic principles are not violated. The phonology of Welsh, similar in many respects to that of English, has proved an interesting example, with its system of initial consonant mutation and the large number of vowel phonemes in the northern variety. With this adaptation of Cued Speech to the Welsh language, deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Wales can gain clear and complete visual access to the phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax of the language, and have the opportunity to develop native competence in it. They will also be able to utilize the sociolinguistic device of code-switching between English and Welsh. It is hoped that future adaptations of Cued Speech to other languages will follow suit, toward a standardization, and perhaps systemization, of the process for adapting Cued Speech to any traditionally spoken language.
