Language and practice: Minority language provision within the guardian ad litem service

This article contends that language should be seen as an important element of social difference and not simply subsumed under 'race'. While it acknowl edges the complex role of language as perhaps the most significant means by which power is exercised, the primary focus is upon understanding language as an important aspect of differentiation that social service agencies nee d to consider. The results of a survey into Welsh language provision within the guardian ad litem service in Wales are described and used to develop a discussion on language policies, linguistic awareness, and anti-discrimina tory practice more generally. The article contextualizes the Welsh results within the UK and offers suggestions as to how services might be improved. Finally, it restates the broader relevance of the study of language as a ne cessary element in the analysis of discrimination.