Ask Daniel Minty

Here, we chat to Daniel Minty.  Daniel has been learning Welsh since September 2022, and works as a Community Development Officer with Menter Iaith Casnewydd, the Welsh language initiative in Newport.  Minty won the Dechrau Arni – Starting Out Learn Welsh award, at this year’s Learning and Work Institute Inspire! awards.

Where are you from?
I’m from the Valleys, but I live in Cardiff now.

Why did you start learning Welsh?
When I was young, there was no Welsh at home, and I went to an English-medium school in Pontllanfraith.  After finishing university in Bristol, I volunteered with the Gŵyl Sŵn music festival.  I fell in love with Welsh music, and decided to learn the language.

What difference has learning Welsh made to you?
A lot!  I got a job with Menter Iaith Casnewydd, where I use Welsh every day.  During the interview, I was so nervous, but I was very happy to get the job.  I want to thank Meilyr, Elin, and Aron, my tutors at Learn Welsh Cardiff, and Nigel from Carmarthenshire for helping me.

How do you use your Welsh at work?
I organise events for young people and families in the community.  I organise discussion and reading groups, and dog walking sessions.  I love using Welsh every day.

Why is encouraging others to learn Welsh important to you?
Learning Welsh has changed my life.  I want to share that with everyone.  I feel very lucky, because I use the language every day.  Since starting the job, my Welsh has improved a lot.  I want to encourage others to learn, and use the language.

Llongyfarchiadau – congratulations on winning the award.  How was that?
I was very shocked!  But I’m really happy, and I enjoyed the ceremony.

What’s your advice for other learners who want to learn Welsh?
It doesn’t matter if you make mistakes.  Why not use short sentences every day, like ‘Do you want’ or ‘Do you like?’.  Small changes make a difference, you can do it.

What’s next with learning Welsh?
I’ve started Uwch/Advanced level 1, and I’m taking part in the Her yr Hydref autumn challenge with the Books Council of Wales.  So, I need to read a lot before the end of the month!

Daniel with Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning, during the Learning and Work Institute Inspire! awards.