“I want to be able to order my food in Welsh in cafes!”

Kornelia Kennedy was raised in Poland, but now lives in Cardiff.

She’s 26 years old and is learning Welsh with Learn Welsh Glamorgan, which is run by the University of South Wales on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Let’s get to know her better!

How did you hear about the Welsh language?

I’m half Irish, and I knew there were a few Celtic languages, one of which was Welsh.

However, I didn't realise that unlike Irish Gaelic, Welsh is used much more in day-to-day life.

Why did you want to learn the language?

When I moved to Cardiff I started working in the public sector and realised there are initiatives to help workers learn and use Welsh at work. I found out about the free courses for 18 to 25-year-olds and signed up so that I can try to use Welsh at work and with friends. 

Is anyone else in the family learning Welsh?

No, but my partner is Welsh.

Do you remember the first time you heard someone speaking Welsh?

While I don't remember the first time I heard Welsh, I remember going to a cafe in North Wales and the cafe owner asking for our order in Welsh.

I felt stumped and sad that I couldn't respond in Welsh, while my partner was able to have a basic conversation and order his food just from what he had learned in school.

Since then, I’ve noticed more and more people having conversations in Welsh whether at work, a cafe, or just out in the park.

How are the lessons going?

Maen nhw'n mynd yn dda, diolch! They are going well, and I’m enjoying learning a new language and by proxy the culture around the language.

And in the future?

I hope to be able to hold a basic conversation in Welsh so that I can order my own food in a cafe! I’m hoping if I keep at it long enough, I can also start using it casually in work and out and about in Wales :)