Ask David

David Robinson is an artist and has learned Welsh.  

David was born in England, and lives in Porthcawl.  He uses Welsh in the community every day.

David will be exhibiting a piece of art at ‘Y Lle Celf’, the art pavilion on the maes of the National Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf this August.

Here’s David’s story.

Where are you from?

I was born in Chester, and raised in Lancashire.  I have lived in a number of places over the years, but I moved to Porthcawl in 2021.

For how long have you been learning Welsh?

I started learning Welsh about 10 years ago, when I was living in Oxford.  There was a one-hour-a-week course available at the university.  After I moved to Swindon, I continued with SaySomethinginWelsh.  Then, I started a Foundation level online course with Learn Welsh Cardiff after moving to Porthcawl.

Why did you start learning Welsh?

When I met my husband Mark, he was living in Cardiff.  While visiting him, and travelling around Wales together, I wanted to learn more about Wales and the Welsh language.

Has learning Welsh helped your career as an artist?

Yes, I have customers, followers and fellow artists who speak Welsh.  That’s why all my correspondence is bilingual; YouTube videos, email newsletters, cards, painting titles or invoices.

What are you doing at the Eisteddfod this year?

On Saturday, I will be at Y Lle Celf because I will have a piece of art in the exhibition.  On Sunday, there will be a trip with the chapel to the service on the maes.  Then on Wednesday, I will be attending an event at Maes D, so I am looking forward to the week.

Do you like learning languages?

Yes.  Learning languages has enriched my life.  I studied French and Spanish at university, and studying abroad was a privilege.

Do you like reading Welsh books?

Yes, I like non-fiction books.  I recently bought three new books - ‘Hanes yn y tir’ by Elin Jones, ‘Cymru’r Cynfas’ by Hywel Harries and ‘Arlunwyr mawr y byd’ by Myfi Williams.  Plenty to keep me busy!

What do you contribute to the local community paper?

‘Yr Hogwr’ is our local Welsh-language community newspaper, or ‘Papur Bro’, in the Bridgend area.  Over the years, I have contributed simple recipes, news about my artwork and community events.

How has Welsh opened doors for you?

I have met and got to know some special people; in my Welsh class, in the chapel, at local events and online, not to mention taking part in the Eisteddfod.

Any advice for others wanting to start learning Welsh?

Join a course and look for activities of interest that will enable you to practise your Welsh.  For example coffee mornings, choirs, chapels, walking tours - there are opportunities in every area, go and look for them!