Getting to know Ben

Originally from Hertfordshire, Ben now lives in Cardiff. We had a chat with Ben to find out more about his Learn Welsh journey…

Who are you and where do you come from?
Ben dw i – I’m Ben. I come from Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

Are you studying or working? What do you do?
I’m currently studying a master’s degree in Welsh Government and Politics at Cardiff University. I have recently graduated with a degree in Spanish and Russian from the University of Bristol.

Why did you want to learn Welsh?
I knew that I wanted to work in the field of politics in Wales therefore learning the language was very important. I have an interest in languages, and I’m fluent in five different languages – English, Spanish, Russian, Catalan and Welsh.

Since when have you been learning Welsh?
I’ve been learning Welsh for a year. I started learning online, 4 hours per week with Learn Welsh Glamorgan. Over the summer, I followed a Foundation level course in Cardiff, and I’m now doing an Intermediate course with Learn Welsh Cardiff, and an Advanced course with Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Region.

When and where do you get a chance to practise/use your Welsh?
I didn’t get many opportunities to use my Welsh when I was living in Bristol. However, two of my lecturers happened to speak Welsh. One was learning, and the other was fluent, so I always tried to speak Welsh with them. 

I’ve just come back from my holiday in Caernarfon and I had many opportunities to use my Welsh there.

Every Sunday, I volunteer at Caerphilly Castle and tell the history of the castle to visitors. I always start the conversation in Welsh.

What’s the best thing about speaking Welsh?
Community is the best thing. The Welsh language opens doors. People appreciate when you speak Welsh, even if you speak a little.

What’s your favourite Welsh word?
Rhugl (fluent), I think it sounds beautiful. I also like the word ‘dysgu’, because it means ‘teach’ and ‘learn’ in Welsh.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I’m interested in politics, languages and travel. I enjoy visiting places in Wales and Britain and learning more about their history.

What’s your advice to other people who’d like to learn Welsh? 
Use your Welsh. Many people worry and focus on getting grammar or words correct, but for me, using the language is incredibly important. Take every opportunity to practise and speak the language.

Learning Welsh – what’s the next step for you?
To use and practise as much as possible – at home, and at work. I hope I will use the language more often now that I live in Cardiff.