Ask Imogen and Andrew

Here, we chat to Imogen Hopkins and Andrew Skelton, who are both learning Welsh and creating Welsh music together.  You can follow their music journey on Spotify, Instagram and YouTube.

What’s your background?

Andrew - I'm from Sheffield and moved to Cardiff to go to university.

Imy - I also came to Cardiff for university, and I’m from a town called Darlington, which is in County Durham. 

Why start learning Welsh?

Andrew - I had been living in Wales for over 15 years and never tried to learn Welsh.  But when I saw how much Imy was enjoying learning, I wanted to give it a go too.

Imy - I was tempted by the fact that Welsh lessons were being offered for free for 18-25 year olds.  I was 24 at the time, so I decided to go for it!

What level are you at?

Imy - I did the Mynediad (Entry) course, and I’m now following a Sylfaen (Foundation) course.

Andrew - I'm currently using Duolingo to learn Welsh.

Do you use Welsh at work?

Andrew - I work as a software developer, and one of my colleagues has started learning Welsh after hearing our song, so hopefully we can practise with each other now.

Imy - I work for a food bank, I try to practise with colleagues and volunteers.  I organised the food bank stand at the Eisteddfod this year, so I definitely got to put my Welsh into practise for that. 

Do you speak Welsh in the community/with friends?

Imy - If I see someone with a Cymraeg/Dysgwr lanyard or badge, then I’ll try to use a bit of Welsh.  Also my Welsh friends have been great by encouraging me to use Welsh in texts. 

Andrew -  We have a friend in our running group who speaks Welsh, so we practise with him.

Why choose to publish songs in Welsh?  

Imy - I’d been excited about the Eisteddfod coming to Pontypridd, and had a go at writing some lyrics.  Three weeks later, we decided to enter it in the Eisteddfod.  

What difference has learning Welsh made to you?

Imy – It has changed my life and has made me more confident.  When I was five months into Welsh lessons, I spoke Welsh in front of over 100 people at a work event, and this year, I sang in public for the first time at the Eisteddfod.

Andrew - It has made me more aware of the language when out and about.  I really enjoy reading Welsh street signs, and hearing Welsh announcements also.

Did learning Welsh in a class with young people help?

Imy - Quite a few of us have been in the same class since 2022, so it has helped that we’ve been on the journey together, and everyone’s really supportive.  When Andrew and I were interviewed on BBC Radio Cymru, it was so lovely seeing all their comments coming through on the group chat. 

What’s your advice to other learners?

Andrew - Practise whenever you can, even by yourself.  Try to get into the habit of thinking "How would I say that in Welsh?" and then giving it a go.

Imy - Follow some Welsh language accounts on social media.  I’d recommend Doctor Cymraeg and Sketchy Welsh - they’re both great. 

What's next with learning Welsh?

Andrew - More songs, and a 1000-day streak on Duolingo!

Imy - I would like to sit the Sylfaen exam, and as Andrew says, more songs!