“Being able to speak Welsh feels like a superpower”

Originally from Brecon, Kierion Lloyd now lives in Wrexham. Kierion tells us about his experiences learning the language.

Why did you want to learn Welsh?

My dad was in the army so as a family we moved around quite a lot, so I didn’t have many opportunities to practise or speak Welsh as a child.

I started learning six years ago with Learn Welsh North East, which is run by Coleg Cambria on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. I am currently following an Advanced course, and I love learning Welsh. I wanted to learn because I feel like a Welshman. I wanted to be part of the culture and connect with my roots. Being able to speak Welsh feels like a superpower.

When and where do you use your Welsh?

I love music, and I love going to music festivals. I go to Tafwyl and Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau annually, which are Welsh language festivals held in Cardiff and Dolgellau, and festivals such as Gŵyl Go Go Goch, an event held in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, and the National Eisteddfod, which is a celebration of Welsh arts, language and culture, held in a different part of Wales every year. I try my best to mix with people through the medium of Welsh. I like hearing the different accents across Wales. I want to live my life through the medium of Welsh.

What’s the best thing about learning Welsh?

Community is the best thing about learning Welsh. When I go to gigs, everyone is so friendly and supportive of everyone who is learning Welsh.

What are your hobbies?

Definitely music. I also like to go mountain walking, and wild camping. I like being outdoors and exploring Wales.

You recently went on a ferry trip - tell us all about it!    

The trip was great. We were travelling from North Wales to Amsterdam by ferry, and all the entertainment was through the medium of Welsh. Bands such as Dafydd Iwan, Bwncath, Fleur De Lys, and more were performing. Music helps me learn the language so when I heard about this trip, I knew that I wanted to go. As well as enjoying the music, we had the opportunity to explore Amsterdam. The trip was a great experience and opportunity to meet new people.

What’s your favourite Welsh word?

I learn new words everyday but my favourite word at the moment is ‘pendramwnwgl’ (headlong, all over the place).

What’s your advice to others learning Welsh?

Use your Welsh. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to become fluent. It’s more important to build your confidence to use and speak the language.