Why did you decide to learn Welsh?"My original reason was to support my wife who is of Welsh origins. She wanted to learn her mother tongue. It wasn't long before I found my own reasons to learn. First of all I came to realise that the language is a valued posession for many Welsh people, and as I had chosen to live in Wales I felt I wanted to share this. As I became more familiar with the language I came to appreciate its charms. Welsh has an almost childish innocence, and yet also has a sophistication of expression which doubtless gives rise to its reputation as the language of poets."
How have you chosen to learn Welsh?
"I attend, as I have from the beginning, further education classes at Trinity College in Carmarthen. For the first two years I attended a two hour class twice weekly and studied 'Cwrs WIpan'. This is a fairly intensive course which I found to be a solid foundation. Indeed there was no need for me to find any other source of instruction. The library has many interesting novels written specifically for adult learners including adaptations of the Welsh classics. The TV series 'Talk about Welsh' on S4C is excellent and the storylines are interesting too. Every Sunday on S4C there's a BBC news programme for learners called 'Yr Wythnos' and by simply registering with the BBC website you can be emailed a copy of the script. I find this an invaluable aid and I heartily recommed it."
What are the benefits for you to learn Welsh?
"I am in my 60s now, so learning Welsh is hardly the career move for me that it would be for a younger person. However I get tremendous satisfaction from paying this form of respect to my adoptive countrymen. I was warmly received into our living and working environment, and friends and neighbours seem genuinely proud that I am making the effort - and they are very interested in my progress."
Have you taken any formal Welsh exams?
"Towards the end of the 'Cwrs Wlpan' I decided to try for what is the equivalent of the GCSE. This I soon realised was a hasty decision taken a year too soon. I had to buckle down to some three months of very solid work, in order to pull myself up by the boot straps. In fact I gained a B grade but more importantly developed the confidence that I could actually do this. Next year, all being well, I shall have a crack at A-Level. That's looking a bit scary just now."
How much Welsh are you able to use on a day to day basis?
"We have a small shop in Carmarthen which takes up our time which sadly means I do not spend anything like enough time in Pontyates. This is a great pity as it is a very Welsh village. My next door neighbour Irfon chooses to speak Welsh to me now, which I take as a great compliment. Unfortunately our paths do not cross in the winter. Our immediate community is small and friendly and we enjoy an annual street barbeque in the summer and a Christmas meal at a local hostelry. Both ocassions are a chance to practise my Welsh as well as get up to speed with events. I probably hear some Welsh most days of my life now, though at present most of my conversations are in a learning situation."
When living in England were you aware of the Welsh language? Did you have particular view on it?
"This is a very interesting question because it goes right to the heart of that vexed problem - the English invasion of Welsh communities. Sadly, the average Englishman is not aware that Welsh is alive, well, used and loved so widely. Nor does the media make them aware of the dangers that we pose to communities. Were we made aware I am sure that Welsh people would see a different attitude among the 'incomers'. It is such a paradox for Welsh people in these communities because they see the danger to the traditional way of life and yet it is in their nature to be warm, welcoming and inclusive. I would love to see the day when English folk arrive already prepared to learn Welsh and send their children to, if not Welsh language schools, at least schools that teach Welsh."
If you could offer one piece of advice to learners what would it be?
"I think I'd have to offer more than one piece of advice. First, don't think Welsh is easy to learn. It is not but it is very rewarding. Decide to do your level best for three months and then set yourself realistic targets. Second, don't be afraid to make mistakes, nobody will laugh at you. At worst they will laugh with you. Last, as soon as you reasonably can join a CYD group. CYD is a gathering of Welsh learners and Welsh speakers who meet in informal situations - cafes, pubs etc. At first you find you want to listen a lot and say a little but that changes ... and becomes a major area of development."
What are your future thoughts on learning Welsh?
"I want to become totally fluent and to be honest I should be able to do that now. I am capable of holding a conversation albeit badly so it is in my hands now to correct my own errors, to improve my listening skills and to develop my word power. I have three ambitions -
a. I want to encourage other English people living here to respect the national language. b. If I may be presumptous, to encourage Welsh speakers to use less English words and expressions, and be more prepared to read and write in Welsh. There is a danger of Welsh turning into English by degrees and it is just too beautiful a language to allow it to become corrupted. c. Wales is not the land of my fathers but it would be wonderful if I were to be seen as one of the fathers of another generation. For this reason it is a major source of pleasure for me that I won one of the learner's prizes in the National Eisteddfod 2003. I just love the notion that an Englishman has become just a tiny part of this most Welsh of institutions. Though I haven't been here very long, my heart is here and I truly feel that this is where I belong."
your comments
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gwr bach o doc penfro
I commend Brian,I am a first year intensive learner and from my point of view as long as you genuinely work hard at it,even if you don't get the results you want, as long as you know that you are giving it a good try, that's what's important. See it and say it is my motto, you can make a lot of mistakes and it gives the rest of the class a laugh but that's alright.
Wed May 13 09:05:44 2009
Pastor Ron Williams, Pontardawe
Having retired and returned to Wales, I am now seeking to take up the Welsh language, having forfeited many years of ideal opportunity being married to a Welsh speaking wife.
Having started a class, it then was frustrating when it closed due to the lack of numbers that attended. I am now looking for another venue, determined that I will fulfil my ambition to speak my native tongue.
Brian's story is very inspiring, and will continue to serve as an encouragement to all who contemplate this wonderful challenge.
Mon Feb 2 13:30:05 2009
Mike from Penpedairheol
I have just moved back to Wales after 50 years in England. I have taken up "Cwrs Wlpan" which I find exhilarating. I go twice a week with my daughter whose two daughters attend the local Welsh School and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I wish I'd done this years ago!
Fri Feb 8 10:43:28 2008
dave from wrecsam
Brian is doing very well to hold a conversation. I've jst started to learn welsh and I'm 27. I was never interested in school like most people. Most of my mates have Welsh stickers on the car, they fly the flag, and say they're proud to be Welsh, but cannot speak the language. In Wrexham there are Welsh signs everywhere, and everyone who is proud to be Welsh should speak Welsh.
Wed Aug 15 12:21:29 2007
June Blodwen Isted (mother was June Evans) Dallas,
Well done Brian - I understand as I was born is Swansea, Raised in London and now live in the United States. I am learning Welsh by a self-help taped course and there are times when I obviously miss the mark. However, just the fact than I am attempting to speak the beautiful language of my heritage keeps me striving to one day hopefully get it right. So Diolch yn fawr to all, and stay encouraged
Fri May 25 12:30:10 2007
Liam
I'r Gwr bach o'r Aman
There are literally thousands of people like Brian. But the way Brian was able to express his thoughts so well is impressive. We want to be careful not to shame those who don't speak Welsh, as this can cause a backlash. I would want to show non-Welsh-speakers that even some people from overseas speak Welsh, and that Welsh people should learn Welsh, but let's also not shame these real Welsh people who even though they don't speak Welsh, are truly Welsh. Let's be careful. The burden is really on Welsh native speakers to improve their knowledge of Welsh and to use good Welsh, not Welsh with English syntax, and to use it in written form, and to read and purchase Welsh-language news and periodicals.
syntax:
example: Mae annwyd gyda fe.
He has a cold.
the Welsh way to say this is:
Mae annwyd arno fe.
Wed Mar 8 19:25:26 2006
Sophie from France
I am learning Welsh for exactly the same reason as Brian and he is completely right, it is discouraging sometimes but being able to have a conversation with native speakers is really gratifying. The Welsh language has helped me meet some wonderful people.
Wed Jul 13 13:29:55 2005
Dewi, Dyfed
Learning to speak Welsh is the first step. Using it is the second. One of the reasons that Welsh is dying is because Welsh speakers choose to use English. One of the reasons for this is that most Welsh speakers are not fluent in Welsh and can`t read and write Welsh. Adults learning Welsh can help by using Welsh - speaking, reading and writing in the community and at work etc. Da iawn Brian.
Fri Jun 10 16:58:44 2005
Kelly from Oswestry
Everybody should try and learn welsh. I am 11 and I know basics but not a lot. People who can speak welsh fluently are dead lucky, "good luck to anyone who is trying" .
Fri May 20 22:06:39 2005
Chris from Kilgetty
Ebbw Vale girl I am, never spoke Welsh, very proud to be Welsh.
Fri Feb 11 16:05:24 2005
Junko Salmon, USA
It's so good to know an English person taking such an interest in the very heart of Wales. Also as another late bloomer, I'm very encouraged by you and others over 40 starting to learn Welsh. I like the motto of one of the Scottish clans: Late but in earnest.
Wed Feb 2 14:32:47 2005
Tricia from Carmarthen
I was brought up near Llantrisant and always been proud of being welsh. I moved to the Isle of Wight 9 years ago and lots of holiday makers mentioned my Welsh accent and lots of native Isle o wight people complimented me on my Welsh accent. A few people asked me if I knew any welsh and I was quite ashamed to say that I couldn't speak it even though it was my native tongue.
Where I was brought up Welsh was taught in school but I was never very interested, how sorry I was to feel about that.
I always said that I would learn it before I die, I am now 51 and having met an islander he fell in love with Wales and asked me if I wanted to move back, I jumped at the chance and now live in Carmarthen where a lot more Welsh is spoken so I made the decision to go on a Welsh learning course. I am now on my 6th lesson and am slowly beginning to come to grips with the langauge, I learned a lot from books years ago so was able to jump into the second years course.
I am so glad I did, so let no-one tell you that you are too old, you are never too old for anything.
My partner is english and I think he is afraid of the language as he has been told that it is too dificult to learn, but he is picking up a few words from me and using them sometimes to my daughter who is Welsh also.
My grandchildren go to a Welsh school so they have been brought up with the Welsh language and finally I can use Welsh with them.
So I say it's never to late to learn, go for it people.
NADOLIG LLAWEN TO ALL OF YOU.
Wed Dec 8 19:46:29 2004
John Govier Kallangur Q,land Australia
I think it's great that Brian has taken the time to learn the language of his adopted country, I'm from Wales (Mumbles) and I downloaded quite a lot of lessons from BBC Wales, but I'm afraid I've fallen behind in carrying on with it, I must start again before I get too old. The problem here is that I don't have anyone to converse with. I remember when I was in the army stationed in Darlington and an English man started to speak to me in Welsh, he could see the Welsh badge on my hat, and I had to say I'm sorry I can't understand you, I'll never forget what he said to me "forshame you being a Welshman and can't speak your own language" Good on you Brian keep up the good work. J Govier
Thu Sep 30 05:48:47 2004
Cathrine Moon - Cardigan
I have visited this site because I am about to enrol in a Welsh class. Although both my husband and I were brought up in Wales (Cardiff and Port Talbot respectively) we are not Welsh speaking, but now we have returned here, after 25 years in Norfolk, we are keen to make up for lost time and to feel more part of the community. I was concerned about being an 'older' learner at 54, but Brian proves that age is no barrier, so Diolch yn fawr for the encouragement.
Sun Sep 12 13:51:07 2004
Gwr bach o'r Aman
Well done Brian, excellent stuff. If only there were a few thousand more like yourself.
Thu Jul 22 21:09:04 2004
Do you feel inspired by what Brian has to say? Do you have any words of encouragement you'd like to share with Welsh learners?
