Ask Ellie King

Ellie has been learning Welsh for four years.  She works at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.  Ellie appeared on ‘Cyfrinachau’r Llyfrgell’, a new programme on S4C about some of Wales' famous people.

Where do you live?

I live in Aberystwyth.  I’ve also lived in London, Glasgow and Michigan, USA, over the years.

Why learn Welsh?

I work with the National Library as an Assistant Curator of Maps.  I wanted to learn Welsh in order to use the language at work.  I also wanted to meet new people and feel part of the community.

What’s the best thing about learning Welsh?

I’m less shy since I started learning Welsh.  I’ve met many people in different classes, so I never worry about starting a conversation with someone new in Welsh.

What difference has learning Welsh made to you?

I’ve settled well in Aberystwyth, because I’ve learned Welsh.  Before moving here, I didn’t have any family connections with Wales.  But since learning the language, I’ve made many new connections in the community.

Do you use Welsh outside work?

I have many friends who speak Welsh.  I also dance with Dawnswyr Seithenyn, a Welsh folk dancing group, who hold their activities through the medium of Welsh.  In Aberystwyth, shops and businesses use the language, so there are plenty of opportunities to practise speaking Welsh.

Did you enjoy filming 'Secrets of the Library'?

I was on TV in Tudur Owen's episode.  Tudur was looking at maps that I found, and was very interested in them.  I enjoyed the experience.

What’s your advice for other people who want to learn Welsh?

Join a library to read Welsh children’s books.  My favourite was Criw’r Coed a’r Gwenyn Coll by Carys Haf Glyn, which features pretty illustrations by Ruth Jên.

What’s next in your Welsh learning journey?

I want to return to the Nant Gwrtheyrn residential centre on the Llŷn Peninsula to follow a Learn Welsh course.  I’ve been there once, and I’ll never forget the experience, so I can’t wait to go back!

Image - Simon Evans.