Let's get to know E'zzati a little better...
E'zzati Ariffin moved to Wales in 2013 from Brunei to study a degree course in Accounting and Finance at Aberystwyth University. During her time there, she met her husband, Rhodri and decided to try her hand at learning Welsh. Almost ten years later, E'zzati is fluent in the language, she is a mother to Idris, and currently she is a postgraduate ambassador for the Coleg Cymraeg. She is studying an M. A. in bilingualism and multilingualism. With the Islamic festival, Eid al-Fitr, on the horizon, E'zzati is excited to celebrate with her family at her home in Carmarthenshire.
Q1. Eid Mubarak! How are you going to celebrate?
We celebrate Eid al-Fitr after 30 or 29 days of fasting during Ramadan. I'm really looking forward to dressing smartly, eating delicious food and celebrating with my family! I'm excited this year especially because my parents are coming over from Brunei to stay with us. Also the Islamic community have invited us to celebrate with them, so I'm really looking forward to all the celebrations!
Q2. How important is Ramadan to you?
Ramadan is very important to me because it is an opportunity to reflect, understand and learn more about Islam.
Q3. Describe your upbringing
I grew up in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. I come from a large family, I have three brothers and one sister. I had a very happy childhood playing outside because the sun was always shining!
Q4. Do you get a chance to go back to Brunei often?
I had the opportunity to go back to Brunei this time last year to celebrate Eid. But this year, my parents will be coming over to Wales to stay with us.
Q5. How many languages can you speak?
I often speak three languages: Welsh; Brunei, and English!
Q6. Why was learning Welsh important to you?
I've been learning Welsh for six years now. One of the main reasons I learned the language was because I have a Welsh-speaking son and I want to set a good example for him.
Q7. What do you like about Welsh culture?
I like learning about Welsh culture and celebrating the traditions. I am fascinated by the history of Wales and the language, and enjoy visiting castles.
Q8. What do you like most about the culture in Brunei?
I like the marriage culture in Brunei. Also traditions are very important to us, and they are passed down from generation to generation. It's a relatively small country, but there are seven different indigenous groups in Brunei so there are seven different cultures!
Q9. What makes you happy?
A lot of things make me happy. My family, friends, reading and writing, and ice cream! 😊
Q10. Why did you want to become a Coleg Cymraeg postgraduate ambassador?
As an ambassador I encourage others to learn Welsh and to study through the medium of Welsh and I am passionate about that. Also being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to meet new people and make friends who are also studying for a postgraduate.
Q11. What is your ambition for the future?
With a lot of support I've already received and continue to receive, I hope to study one of my modules through the medium of Welsh.
Visit E'zzati's You Tube page to hear her use her Welsh. E'zzati's message is that everyone can learn the language, as well as study through the medium of Welsh.
