Getting to know Gwilym Morgan

With the Dur a Môr Urdd Eisteddfod on the horizon, we caught up with Gwilym Morgan, former winner of the Learners' Medal, about his Welsh-language journey.

Helo Gwilym! Tell us a little bit about yourself...   

I’m Gwilym and I’m from Cardiff. I’m currently studying Welsh and French at Cardiff University.

Can you tell us a little bit about your Welsh-language journey?

I learned Welsh as a second language in English-medium schools. I really enjoyed languages in secondary school, especially Welsh. When I was in sixth form, I came to realise that the Welsh language was more than just a classroom subject.

In 2023, I won the Learners’ Medal at the Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod. Winning the award has inspired everything I’ve done since, including creating resources for Welsh learners and starting my own business, GM Notebooks.

How did it feel to win the Learners’ Medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod?

I received an email saying I’d made it to the final round, which was quite a strange but exciting feeling. I really didn’t expect to win.

The day of the ceremony went so quickly because I was busy talking to the press and doing interviews. I didn’t quite process that I’d won until I was in the car on the way home! Winning the award has really truly changed my life.

What are you doing now?

I’m in my first year at university. I’m enjoying the course, it’s fun. I enjoy learning about grammar in more detail.

I set up my business in 2021. We initially operated on a small scale, selling notebooks, but, after winning the Learners' Medal, I wanted to help other people learn Welsh. Now, we offer a wide range of resources in the shop. The business has grown significantly since winning the Learners’ Medal.

What inspired you to set up your business?

I felt there was a lack of colourful and varied different resources available to Welsh learners. I feel there are numerous resources available for learning French. That’s what I wanted to do - create something that I would have liked to use when I was learning Welsh.

I've created an A4 size grammar mat to put on my desk. I use it daily to remind myself of grammatical forms and rules. Hopefully, resources like this will help other learners with their language journey.

What’s the next step for you?  

I've been offered a place on the Tiwtoriaid Yfory (Tutors of Tomorrow) course, and I'm really looking forward to it. I want to be a Welsh teacher in the future, so the course will be a great opportunity and experience.

As part of GM Notebooks, I stock Welsh books to encourage people to read and use the Welsh language. My friend Jess and I run a monthly reading club for learners on Zoom. I also run free group sessions for learners on Zoom called 'Cymraeg a phaned'. The idea is to invite learners for an informal chat over a cup of tea, to give people a chance to practise speaking.

I'm currently writing a grammar book that includes an explanation of rules and practice activities.

What’s your advice for other Welsh learners?  

My main advice is to go for it and not worry about making mistakes. I make mistakes every day – in Welsh, English and French. We need to use the mistakes to help us learn the language and build confidence in using it.

What about following GM Notebooks on Instagram, or visit the website?

Instagram: @gm_notebook
Website: GM Notebooks - Welsh Learners Resources