Q&A with Charlotte

Picture caption: Charlotte, right, pictured at a Learn Welsh course in Carmarthen

Here, we chat to Charlotte who recently went on a Learn Welsh course in Carmarthen for young people. Read the Q&A to learn more about Charlotte...

Do you know anyone aged between 18-25 who would like to learn Welsh for free? There’s information about courses on the Welsh for Young People page.

Who are you and where do you come from?

Charlotte dw i – I’m Charlotte. I was born in England and grew up on the south coast and abroad, but my grandparents are Welsh. My four-times great-grandfather actually founded the Felinfoel Brewery just outside Llanelli.

Are you studying or working? What do you do?

I graduated from Cardiff University in July 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Modern History.

Why did you want to learn Welsh?

Lots of reasons! My grandparents were Welsh, but my grandfather worked flying helicopters to and from the oil rigs in the North Sea, so my dad grew up outside Wales and a bit removed from his Welsh heritage. I wanted to reconnect a little and felt that language was a good way to do it. I’m also autistic, with a special interest in linguistics, so learning a language from a new language family appealed to me too. And of course, it felt wrong to not attempt to learn the language when I was living and studying in Wales.

Since when have you been learning Welsh? Are you following a course?

I started trying to learn Welsh independently when I first started university in 2020, using Duolingo and other free resources. I had some personal struggles that forced me to put it aside for a while, but in 2022 I discovered Dysgu Cymraeg/Learn Welsh and signed up for my beginners’ Mynediad 1 course. I’ve been learning Welsh through Dysgu Cymraeg ever since.

What was the best thing about the Learn Welsh course in Carmarthen?

After graduating, I moved back to England. I really enjoyed the casual exposure to the Welsh language, but also to Welsh culture (which I’ve really missed!). I loved that the course wasn’t purely focused on language, but also allowed us the chance to socialise, experience a Welsh language festival, and participate in cultural activities.

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

Now I’m living outside of Wales - not enough! I do Duolingo every day, and try to keep up with some friends I’ve made in my Dysgu Cymraeg courses by messaging in Welsh. Honestly, I probably speak the most Welsh with my dogs!

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

Do it! There are so many resources available out there, even if you aren’t living in Wales. The Welsh language is beautiful, and poetic, and fun, and even learning a tiny bit can massively widen your cultural understanding. 

What’s the best thing about speaking Welsh?

Obviously, you don’t have to speak Welsh to be Welsh or feel Welsh, but I think because I live in England, speaking and listening to the Welsh language really helps me remember my Welsh roots and feel more connected to them.

What’s your favourite Welsh word?

Archfarchnad - supermarket. I just really love the way it sounds!