Tips for learning Welsh
by Dr Jon Morris, School of Welsh, Cardiff University @ysgolygymraeg
Learning a language is hard, there’s no doubt about it. But why is learning a new language important? Well, it can make you smarter, more creative, more empathetic and can open up whole new worlds. When it comes to starting to learn a new language, there really is no time like the present. But how can you learn a language effectively and keep your motivation up?
As we prepare to take Petula to the stage, our first Welsh/English bilingual co production between National Theatre Wales, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and August012, we asked Dr Jon Morris from the School of Welsh at Cardiff University to give us his top five tips for learning Welsh - or any language in fact!
So, dyma chi… (here you go…)
Think about why you want to learn Welsh
We only really do things well if we want to do them. We need to be motivated to do something and, more importantly, keep that motivation going over a long period of time. The first tip is to think about why you want to learn Welsh, or improve on what you know, and write it down so that you can look back at your reasons when your motivation dips.
Everyone will have different reasons so take some time to think about it. And if you have absolutely no interest in learning Welsh, reflect on it! Do you think it’s too hard? Or boring? Why do you think this? Thinking about your reasons can make you realise that you might be jumping to conclusions or have had negative experiences which are affecting your attitudes.
Whether you’ve fallen in love with learning Welsh, or still need a bit of persuading, you need the next tip...
Find stuff that interests you
You’re not going to learn Welsh without effort, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. When you’re learning a language, the key is to try to include it into as much of your daily life as possible. This can mean following Welsh accounts on Instagram, listening to a Welsh podcast or listening to Welsh music. Even things like choosing the Welsh option on websites can help you start to notice and learn things. You’re not going to understand everything, but that’s ok!
There’s loads of stuff out there for people of different ages and with different interests, so see what you can find! Finding something you’re really interested in also helps you keep up your motivation.
[NTW here! We love Mirain Iwerydd on BBC Radio Cymru 2 and ‘Hansh’ on Twitter)
Get a system
The trick here is to make a note of new words or grammar points and review them regularly. You don’t have to go over the top but just get a notebook so that you can write down new words and patterns you see in the language. The notes on your phone can work just as well and there are some apps which turn your notes into flashcards so that you can memorise them better.
Speak to people
Wherever you live in Wales, speaking Welsh is easier than you think! Go along to some of the events that are organised in your area (your local Urdd or Menter Iaith will have suggestions). Start actively using Welsh more on social media and writing comments and, if all else fails, speak to yourself in Welsh!
Don’t try to be perfect and don’t overthink it
Speaking to other people is by far the scariest part of learning a language for most people, but there’s no better way to learn and to show yourself how much you know.
It’s so easy to get in your own head when you’re trying to speak a language you’re learning. Do you know enough to say something? What will you do if you don’t understand something? Will people laugh at you if you make a mistake?
The truth is that no one really knows the answer to these questions. The fears that people have are completely natural but they’re based on our assumptions about what we think has happened in the past or what we think will happen in the future. Try to ignore the voice inside your head and use the Welsh you’re learning. Don’t wait for a right time, or worry about making a fool of yourself. If you’re still worried, start small and set yourself a plan of action. Think about what you want to do, like ask for something in a shop, think about what words you need to do this and what you’ll do if you don’t understand something.
Useful Welsh language learning links
Learning Welsh has never been easier and there are loads of fun resources out there to help you. Here’s how you can learn Welsh…
Online learning
You can learn Welsh online with apps such as Duolingo and Say Something in Welsh and you can learn for free with a basic subscription.
Face to face
If you’re wondering where you can learn Welsh face to face with other learners, Learn Welsh offers structured courses in a classroom setting over Zoom.
Need help with improving your Welsh? Try these free apps and websites
Cysill is a one stop Welsh language spelling and grammar checker
Ap Treiglo is a great way to learn and check those tricky mutations
Ap Geiriadur is the go to Welsh Language Dictionary app from Bangor University
So? What are you waiting for? Download that Welsh app, turn up that Welsh radio and get learning! Dal ati (Keep at it)!