* Gradual Process: It wasn't a sudden switch. English gradually spread in Wales over centuries, influenced by various factors like political dominance, migration, and social pressures.
* Regional Variation: English adoption wasn't uniform across Wales. Some areas became bilingual earlier than others, with coastal regions and areas with stronger English influence seeing earlier shifts.
* Welsh Still Dominant: Despite English's influence, Welsh remained the dominant language for many centuries, particularly in rural areas.
Key Historical Markers:
* Norman Conquest (1066): English influence started with the Norman invasion of England. Norman rulers brought their language and laws to Wales.
* Acts of Union (1536, 1542): These Acts formally incorporated Wales into England, leading to further English language influence through administration and education.
* 19th and 20th Centuries: Industrialization and urbanization led to increased English usage, especially in industrial areas and cities.
Important Points:
* Bilingualism: Throughout history, many Welsh people were bilingual, speaking both Welsh and English. This remains true today.
* Language Revival: There has been a significant movement to revive the Welsh language in recent decades, leading to increased Welsh language education and use.
In conclusion, it's impossible to pinpoint an exact date when people in Wales "started" speaking English. It was a long and complex process with varying regional patterns, and Welsh remains an important part of the nation's identity and culture.