My bilingual skills and my future!
Trystan and Emma, Huw Stephens, Alex Jones. I am sure you are all familiar with these names. But what do the four of them have in common? They are all successful presenters from Wales who are fluent in Welsh and English.
It can be easy to think that the only way to get into the media industry as Welsh citizens is to present through the medium of Welsh. Alex's bilingual skills prove that she can present in Welsh on S4C or in English on one of the most popular television programmes on BBC One, namely The One Show. Although she presents on national channels through the medium of English, this does not stop her from hosting programmes in Welsh, such as her recent programme on the Welsh Government's strategy to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050, where she shared her passion for the campaign.
Jac Morgan, Ben Davies, Nia Jones and Elinor Snowsill. Inspiring, talented international athletes who insist on using the Welsh language in the world of sport. Sport is broadcast on an international stage and therefore it can be used as a platform to raise awareness of the language and its importance to the people of Wales.
Being a presenter is my dream as so many of my heroes have started out on television programmes, and it will be a privilege to use my bilingual skills to present different programmes in the media. It's important to me that bilingual skills are used by the new young generation, and not only in the classroom but on sports fields, on music stages and so on. Being bilingual is extremely important in terms of gaining confidence, especially for me now as I venture to university where it will prove useful as I will be able to communicate with everyone whether in Welsh or English. Being a school ambassador has had a very positive effect on my confidence as I have presented in front of pupils from different schools which is useful when considering my future. I believe that being bilingual is a privilege and we should not take for granted this ability which is special to us in Wales.
So use the language. Learn the language. It will be of benefit in upcoming areas in your career and future. Our heroes are showing the way, we must follow the new order! Be proud of what is unique to us as Welsh people.