Harri - one of the stars of the Learn Welsh recruitment campaign

Geologist Harri Owain is one of the stars of the National Centre’s latest recruitment campaign.  You can watch Harri’s advertisement here.

Tell us a little about your background.
I’m from a small village called Aberthin in the Vale of Glamorgan.  I went to an English-medium school, where I enjoyed my Welsh classes – but I struggled to remember my Welsh after leaving school.  My dad can speak Welsh, but we didn’t speak the language at home.

Why did you want to learn Welsh?
Lots of my friends speak Welsh, and they always had to change to English when I joined the conversation.

How/where did you learn?
I use the ‘Say Something in Welsh’ app and am a member of the @WelshSocial group in Cardiff.

When and where do you use your Welsh?
With my friends and I’ve started speaking Welsh with my dad which is great!

What’s your favourite thing?
Being able to swap to speaking Welsh when English speakers walk into the pub (joke!).  I’m really happy to be able to speak the language of my country.

Who’s inspired you in your life?
My friend Rhidian.

What do you like doing in your spare time?
I like running, cycling and listening to music – especially Welsh language music.

What’s your favourite Welsh book?
I’ve yet to read a book in Welsh.  I’ve got a Welsh version of one of the Harry Potter novels, but I haven’t read beyond the first page.

What’s your favourite Welsh word?
Lembo, which means "idiot" in north Wales – I heard this word in Caernarfon.

Do you have any advice for Welsh learners?
Keep at it – your mistakes are valuable.  And enjoy!

Describe yourself in three words.
Poor with mutations.