Getting to know Siân Phillips

Siân Phillips is currently following a Foundation/Sylfaen level course for Welsh learners with Learn Welsh North East/Popeth Cymraeg, one of the course providers of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Siân shares her language journey with us.   

Tell us a bit about your background…

I’m a retired operating theatre sister. I was born and raised in Liverpool. My father’s first language was Welsh, but he didn’t speak the language with me and my siblings.  

I feel Welsh, and I’ve always wanted to be able to learn the language. When I moved to Anglesey about 30 years ago, it was really important for me to get myself learning Welsh.

Since when have you been learning Welsh?

I started learning Welsh when I first moved to Anglesey but had to put my learning on pause due to ill health.

I restarted learning Welsh with Learn Welsh North East/Popeth Cymraeg about three years ago and I love learning online with tutors, Pegi and Ioan Talfryn. I’m really enjoying myself.

When and where do you get a chance to use your Welsh?

Every Monday, my friend and I go to a sewing class, where 90% of the people are Welsh speaking. I practise my Welsh with them and they’re brilliant with me.

If I go out and about to the shops, I use and greet everybody in Welsh, trying to ‘siarad Cymraeg’ (speak Welsh) as much as I can.

Tell us more about your success at the Eisteddfod y Dysgwyr Welsh learners’ competitions…

I competed in all the writing competitions, and came third in the Chair competition, for poetry. I enjoy sewing and knitting, so I entered all the craft competitions and did very well. I’ve already sent my entries for this year’s Eisteddfod.   

What’s the best thing about speaking Welsh?

Learning Welsh keeps my brain working. What I love about the language is the sound of it. It takes me back to hearing my father talking – it sounded as if he was singing. I enjoy learning something that is part of who I am.  

What’s your advice to other people who’d like to learn Welsh?

Listen and read as much as you can. Listen to how the people in your area speak Welsh. At first, I didn’t read, but because Pegi, my tutor, is also a Welsh author, I thought I’d read one of her books, and now, I really enjoy reading in Welsh. I try to say the words in my head to practise my pronunciation.

Learning Welsh – what’s the next step for you?

I love taking exams, and get a bit of a buzz from doing them. I’m hoping to do the Foundation/Sylfaen exam next year. There are so many different opportunities to use your Welsh, such as the Eisteddfod. I’m now able to read in Welsh. I also listen to the radio, and watch S4C programmes as much as I can.