How to learn Welsh

Although it looks and sounds different, Welsh and English have a distanct ancestor language that makes learning Welsh fairly easy with practice.

The Welsh language has a long and proud tradition in Wales. With the increasing prominence of Welsh in schools and businesses all across Wales, it has never been a better time to learn Welsh. Not only is mastering another language a great way to build your own self-confidence, knowing how to speak Welsh can be the key to a whole new career.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Visit websites like BBC Wales' “Learn Welsh” and Cardiff University's “A Welsh Course” to download a free Welsh language course. Set aside an hour or two every day where you can practice the language. Like any language, when starting to learn Welsh it is important to become familiar with the sounds and words being used and this is made much easier through regular exposure.

2. Make a list every day of 10 verbs and nouns that you want to learn. Note how they are both spelled and pronounced plus their English translations. Split the verbs into their usual cases (such as “I go”, “you go”, “he/she/it goes”, etc.) and tenses. Practice this list every chance you get, and test yourself on it each evening. If you don't master a particular word, add it to the next day's list.

3. Make contact with Welsh speakers and other Welsh language students, either via the Internet or local groups. This is an important method of practising speaking the language, as well as being able to read it in books or online. If you notice any common words or phrases are giving you difficulty, add them to your word list for further practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Digital satellite and cable television in the UK carries the Welsh language channel S4C, which can be a useful way of practising your understanding of Welsh. Try watching a program as part of your scheduled study time. Alternatively, visit video-sharing sites like YouTube to practice listening to Welsh being spoken.

• Mastery of a language is not something that comes overnight. Although with regular practice you will soon be able to get by in Welsh, you will still need to put in the time and effort to learn the irregularities of the language before you are truly fluent. Keep up the good work and you'll get there!

References

• Welsh Assembly Government: How Can I Learn Welsh?
• Pick The Brain: How to Learn a Foreign Language
• Four Hour Work Week: How to Learn (But Not Master) Any Language in 1 Hour

Resources

• Cardiff University: A Welsh Course
• BBC Wales: Learn Welsh