Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru's Impact Recognised in British Academy's 'SHAPE of Research Impact' Report
Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru (GPC), the only standard historical dictionary of the Welsh language, has achieved remarkable recognition in the British Academy’s latest report, ‘The SHAPE of Research Impact.’
The report, commissioned by the British Academy and the Academy of Social Sciences and conducted by researchers at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford, explores the profound impact of research in the SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy) disciplines within the United Kingdom’s Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021).
Released last Friday, the report highlights Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru’s outstanding contributions, emphasising its significant impact on linguistic and cultural studies. The online Welsh language dictionary and mobile apps have left an enduring mark on language learning, being utilised over 3 million times a year by individuals studying the Welsh language, establishing the dictionary as an invaluable resource.
Andrew Hawke, Managing Editor of Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, expressed his pride in the acknowledgment of the impact of historical dictionaries, specifically GPC and eDIL, stating:
“We are extremely proud that the report has highlighted the impact of two historical dictionaries, namely our dictionary, GPC, and eDIL, the historical dictionary of Irish up to 1700.”
“The report underscores Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru’s commitment to shaping research impact, highlighting its dedication to advancing linguistic understanding and promoting cultural heritage.
Since the launch of GPC Online in 2014, there have been over seventeen million searches for Welsh words and over two million searches for English words. The online dictionary and apps have reached a diverse audience in Wales and across the world, emphasizing the global impact of Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru.”
Andrew Hawke continued: “The research continues here at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, and 4,000 words have been added to the Dictionary since its launch.”
Professor Elin Haf Gruffudd Jones, Director of the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, added:
“We’re delighted at the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies to hear this excellent news. I’d like to thank the Geiriadur staff for their hard work and dedication as well as the Welsh Government and the University for their continued investment in this important endeavour.
Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru remains at the forefront of advancement in the knowledge of language, culture and society, and contributes significantly to the linguistic infrastructure of contemporary Welsh as well as to the field at international level, as this report has evidenced. Having celebrated the dictionary’s centenary in 2021, we look forward to continuing its impactful research in the years to come.”
Professor Elwen Evans KC, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: “I warmly congratulate the Dictionary on this excellent recognition of the exceptional work it does. We are delighted as a University, and are extremely proud of our contribution to Welsh language resources which are of such high quality and with such far-reaching impact.”
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076