5 Good Ideas about Learning and Using Welsh
Shwmae! I'm Gwilym, one of the Coleg Cymraeg school ambassadors this year. I'm a little different from the other ambassadors because I (and my twin Joe) have learned Welsh as a second language. I study Welsh at Bishop of Llandaf High School.
Back in May 2023, I won the Learner's Medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod and since then I have had some absolutely amazing experiences! I've been on radio, S4C news, Pawb a'i Farn and lately with the Coleg Cymraeg on 'Prynhawn Da.' It's all been like a crazy dream!
So, I want to share my 5 good ideas about learning and using Welsh.
- Use 'casual Welsh' everywhere! Say "Shwmae" to your neighbours and "Thank you" to the bus driver!
- We have a Welsh TV channel – USE it! Watch the news in Welsh or Googlebocs Cymru!
- Subscribe to 'Golwg' It's only £10 a month to deliver to your door ... it costs less than Starbucks!
- SPEAK to your friends in Welsh – when you have a chance to speak Welsh, whether it's your latest 'gossip' or talking about schoolwork. Try not to turn into English.
- Study through the medium of Welsh. Many subjects are available through Welsh and there is a lot more money in it!
Welsh is a big part of my life and has almost taken over my life. In class, we say I eat, sleep and breathe Welsh! That's the best way to live!
If you have learnt Welsh as your second, third or fourth language and think you have what it takes to win the Learner's Medal at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod, applications close on 1st March!
Try to embrace the language, culture and history. Remember that our families and ancestors fought for the rights of our language, let's make them proud and make the language thrive.
