Getting to know Michael Tang

Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m Michael. I’m originally from Barry.  

Are you studying or working? 
I work as a Statistical Programmer for a drugs research company.

Why did you want to learn Welsh?
I wanted to connect with my identity. I learned a little bit of Welsh at All Saints Church in Wales primary school and at Barry Boys’ Comprehensive School. My partner speaks Welsh and I started hearing more Welsh in my area so I signed up for a Learn Welsh course and began learning the language.

When did you start learning Welsh? Are you following a course?
I’ve been learning since 2019. I started by following an Entry 2 course because I had a little bit of Welsh since school. I’m currently following an Advanced level course.

When and where do you use your Welsh?
I try to use my Welsh as often as possible. I go to a ukulele orchestra once a week. There are Welsh learners and speakers in the class so it’s a great opportunity to hear and mix with people who speak the language.

What’s the best thing about learning Welsh?
I’d say the best thing is meeting other learners because you’re going on the same journey at the same time. It’s great to see other learners gaining confidence in the language. When I started learning, I was often worried about making mistakes, but now, I worry less and focus on using, practising and speaking the language as much as I can.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I love playing the ukulele, and I also sing with South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus. I enjoy sports, such as running, and I’ve recently joined a gymnastics club. I enjoy knitting, crocheting and making clothes. I’ve followed short courses and workshops in the past, learning how to use a sewing machine and make skirts and dungarees. It’s a great feeling when the pieces come together to create a garment.

What’s your advice to others who want to learn Welsh?
Take your time. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Trying is the most important thing. I learn more and more every day.

Learning Welsh – what’s the next step for you?
My partner says I should try to go on the Welsh-language programme Am Dro!, which sees contestants battle it out to have their favourite walking trail immortalised in the S4C walk of fame.

I want to meet more people, and throw myself into situations to experience the Welsh language. The classes are a great way to meet other learners, and learn about language rules, but I’d like to use more Welsh outside the classroom. Going to the ukulele orchestra helps, but I want to do more activities through the medium of Welsh.   

It’s important to see people from different backgrounds speaking the language – I want to inspire people to learn Welsh.