Ask Elaine

Elaine Morrisoe is learning Welsh with the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s Work Welsh scheme, and now uses Welsh regularly in her day-to-day work.

Elaine runs a photography business, focusing on flowers and gardens, as well as Morris + Roe, a company selling handmade crafts.

Here, we chat to Elaine about her langauge journey...

Where do you live now?

I was born in Leicester, and after moving around a lot for work, I have settled in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.

What’s your job?

I am a garden and flower photographer, and I also sell craft items that I make.

Why did you start learning Welsh?

My first Welsh lesson was 40 years ago, when I was living in Bangor.  I started learning because I’ve always been interested in languages.  Unfortunately, I moved to London soon after the course finished, so I didn’t have much opportunity to use Welsh.  This time, however, has been more successful, and the language has been really useful for my businesses.

What’s the best thing about learning Welsh?

Firstly, being able to converse with people in their first language, and secondly, having the opportunity to access another culture through the language itself.

How do you practise speaking Welsh outside the classroom?

I volunteer with a local dementia group and have tried speaking Welsh with some of our service users.  If they were brought up speaking Welsh as their first language, it is often the language they feel most comfortable using now.  I also enjoy watching Welsh programmes, reading books from the learners’ series Amdani, and talking with the group in my class.

Any advice for other learners who want to start learning Welsh?

Just do it!  It’s fun, it keeps your mind active, and you’ll be learning alongside people with the same goal as you.  I’ve been learning online, and as a class, we’ve quickly developed good friendships, and enjoy learning together.

Your next step with Welsh?

To continue as I have been – learning and practising (or ‘ymarfer, ymarfer, ymarfer!).  I’d like to be able to watch programmes on S4C without subtitles, and read books without having to refer to a dictionary.

Image: Elaine Morrisoe Photography