(West) Glamorganshire
To many people, including the natives of the Swansea Valley, one of the main characteristics of this dialect is the hardening of consonants, as in catw and eclws instead of cadw (to keep) and eglws (church). However, the Swansea Valley lies on the boundary of this phenomenon; hardening occurs in all areas to the east . What makes this dialect of particular interest is its function as a link between the language of Shir Gâr and the Wenhwyseg, the language of greater Glamorganshire.
The dialect links with the West because -
e is heard as a final syllablein words like tafarne = tafarnau (pubs), and emyne = emynau (hymns).We hear â and not in such words as blân = blaen, câl = cael (have), and mâs = maes (out). The dialect links with the East because -
hardening occurs frequently, but not consistently; e.g catw = cadw (to keep), Satwn = Sadw(r)n (Saturday), but dodi (to put), gwbod (to know) and gyda (with).The absence of h and chw, e.g. efyd = hefyd (as well), onna = honna (that one f.),and wsu = chwysu (to perspire).Read Martin's feature: 'What Is A Dialect?'
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Eleri - Llandovery
I've read that there are many different ways of saying cup in Welsh. In Carmarthenshire 'cwpan' is regularly used, but in Pembrokeshire 'dish' is used. In the old West Glamorgan area - they use 'dysgl'.
Send in your further examples of the Glamorganshire dialect here.
