Dysgwr Diaries: Two Weeks Learning Welsh in Aberystwyth
In July, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in intensive Welsh-language classes in Aberystwyth, thanks in part to funding provided through Gronfa Goffa Bedwyr Lewis Jones (Bangor University), and the WNAA Exchange Scholarship . Here’s a look back at some of my experience. Arrival We arrive in Aberystwyth by bus — a familiar route for me. I live in Abertawe (Swansea) but I’m a PhD student at Bangor University. I take the train to Caerfyrddin (Carmarthen) and then the TrawsCymru bus north to Bangor about twice a month. It’s the night before classes start. I’m riding the high of half-conversations in Cymraeg on a recent road trip with a friend from America. We stayed overnight in Blaenau Ffestiniog. In the morning, I gave my order at the cafe in Wenglish (Welsh-English). When we stopped at the wool mill in Trefriw, I spoke at length in faltering (but excited) Welsh to one of the women running the shop. When I’m doubting my ability, I remember the delight blazing in her eyes at ...