Busting myths and misconceptions about the history, people and language of Wales.

Online video has given local and regional creators a platform of near-global reach and allows unheard or underrepresented voices their space to speak – in some cases, literally.

TikTok creator and political activist Kayleigh Unitt (aka merchcymru) uses her platform to focus on issues related to Welsh culture, identity, independence and language. Here, Unitt urges viewers to learn about Welsh history and the impact of centuries of English influence on the Welsh language and culture. She examines the etymology of the very words used to describe her country and people – Cymru and Cymraeg, Wales and Welsh – and highlights how the Welsh language continues to thrive despite repeated attempts to suppress it.

Unitt’s Tiktok videos cover Welsh identity, history and politics, using the aesthetics of the platform – such as direct address and everyday, bedroom settings – to educate, inform, and ignite debate. This is a personal, accessible variation of grassroots activism created by and for a young, online generation, where information about local and Senedd elections, for example, may be shared through the medium of a K-pop dance routine.

Kayleigh Unitt discusses the Anglicisation of the Cymraeg (Welsh) language and the history of Cymru (Wales).