“I’m so happy to be able to chat in Welsh”

Jonathan Lloyd from Wrexham shares his Welsh language journey with us...

Jonathan works for the Marketing Team at Wrexham University, and is learning Welsh at work through the Work Welsh programme at Wrexham University, which is run by the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Jonathan is looking forward to welcoming the National Eisteddfod to the area in August.

Can you tell us more about your language journey?

I learned Welsh at Darland High School until GCSE, and then studied for a French degree with the Open University. My family doesn't speak Welsh, so I speak English at home. I’ve been learning Welsh through a scheme in the workplace since 2021, and I’ve just completed the Sylfaen (Foundation) course.

When I started working at Wrexham University in 2020, I realised how important the Welsh language is - not just for the job, but also because I’m Welsh, and I want to continue using the language, and develop my Welsh.

Where and when do you use your Welsh?

I use Welsh a lot at work. For me, it's great because it's important to use the language every day, even if it's just for five or 10 minutes.

I speak to people in Welsh on Teams and Whatsapp, and I e-mail different departments in Welsh. I also start conversations in Welsh with colleagues in the corridor.

If I'm out socialising and hear someone speaking Welsh or hear a Welsh accent, I try to start a conversation in Welsh and meet people who speak the language.

The National Eisteddfod is coming to Wrexham! Are you going?

Yes, I'm going to the Eisteddfod. I'll be helping my tutor, Teresa Davies, in Maes D, the learners' village, on the first Sunday, and I'm competing in the group recitation with lots of other staff from the university. I will also be doing some work on social media during the week.

What’s the best thing about learning Welsh?

I've always been proud to be Welsh. The Welsh language is part of my identity, and being able to speak the language reinforces that feeling as a Welsh person. For me, it’s important I can speak the language.

I want to say a big thank you to Elen Mai Nefydd (Head of Welsh Development at Wrexham University) and Teresa, my tutor, for encouraging me to use the language. They give me so many opportunities to practise and use the Welsh language, which helps me build my confidence in using it.

If someone had told me two years ago that I’d be speaking Welsh on Zoom, or chatting with people in Welsh for 10 minutes, I wouldn't have believed them! I'm so happy to be able to chat in Welsh.

What’s your advice to other people who are learning Welsh?

My advice is to try to use the language every day - whether it’s listening to Radio Cymru, watching S4C programmes, talking to people, or using apps like Duolingo or SSiW.

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

I’ll be starting the Canolradd (Intermediate) course in September.

As part of the ‘Defnyddia dy Gymraeg’ (Use your Welsh) campaign, Jonathan took part in a video with his tutor, Teresa, talking about his experiences using the Welsh language. Follow the next link to watch the video: Defnyddia dy Gymraeg - YouTube