The Case for a TLD for Wales

Abstract

This article explores the rationales for creating specific top level domain (TLD) names to support minority languages and cultures, focussing specifically on the case for a TLD .cy or .cym for Wales. Some background information on domain names and Wales and the Welsh language is provided. Following on from this, the way identity may be constructed is explored and the importance of TLD's in terms of enabling individuals to perform their identity is highlighted. The issues that arise with using the current .uk TLD in Wales is explored. Finally the rationale for a .cym TLD for Wales as opposed to any other is considered. THE CASE FOR A TLD FOR WALES Over the last few years a number of campaigns have sought to establish top level domain (TLD) names on the internet for the use of particular minority groups. Examples include the campaign run by puntCAT to establish a .cat TLD for the Catalan language and culture and the campaign run by dotCYM to establish a .cym TLD for the Welsh language and Culture. In September 2005, and as the result of a long campaign by puntCat activists, ICANN approved the first top-level domain to be dedicated to a particular language and culture when it registered the .cat sponsored TLD name for the Catalan community (Atkinson, 2006). According to Gerrand (2006) it came into being only after considerable political wrangling within Spain, Catalonia and the ICANN. That such a campaign was thought worthwhile will be baffling to many internet users. According to Edwards (1994) most majority language speakers remain unconvinced of the desirability of officially-supported minority cultural and linguistic programmes. This article explores the rationale behind such campaigns, focussing specifically on the rationale behind establishing a TLD for Wales. It begins with a brief outline of what domain names are and how they are allocated. Next, some background on Wales and the Welsh language is provided. Following on from this, the various debates concerning the significance of a domain name to a minority groups and culture are explored. How identity is performed and achieved and a domain name may be significant in this process is foregrounded. The problems that arise with using the current .uk TLD in Wales is then explored and finally the rationale for adopting a g-TLD for Wales such as .cym, as opposed to any other g-TLD is considered. TOP LEVEL DOMAIN NAMES