Kierion Lloyd’s speech at the Eisteddfod

Diolch yn fawr to Kierion for taking part in the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s event at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham on 4 August.

Below is a translation of Kierion’s speech about his journey with the Welsh language.

Introduction

I'm Kierion. I'm originally from Brecon, but I’ve lived in the Wrexham area for twenty years. I started learning Welsh in September 2018, almost seven years ago. I've reached Uwch 2 (Advanced 2) and really enjoy it.

The learning experience

I remember my first class and feeling a bit worried - I thought, "Will I be able to do this?", "Will I be able to understand everything?"

But my tutor was great – she made the class fun. And that’s the most important thing for me – when something is fun, you make more effort.

How do I use the language?

I can't use Welsh at work because I work in England. But I use it as much as possible outside of work.

I use Welsh apps, try to read Welsh books, watch programmes on S4C, and listen to Welsh music.

I try to take every opportunity to use Welsh. I go to many conversation sessions in the area – mostly in Wrexham, Ruthin, Oswestry and Overton.

I travel all over Wales to attend a variety of music festivals, such as Tafwyl in Cardiff, Sesiwn Fawr in Dolgellau, Gŵyl Cefni in Anglesey and Gŵyl y Gogs in the Bala area, where I can talk to local people with different accents and dialects.

How has learning Welsh changed my life?

Music is a big part of my life. Learning Welsh has opened my eyes (and ears) to a whole new world of Welsh-language music.

If I hadn't started learning Welsh, I wouldn't have discovered the bands, the performers and the amazing voices we have here in Wales.

As learners, we’re part of a large community where everyone is in the same boat. As Welsh speakers, we’re part of a huge community – one that can be seen here at the Eisteddfod. Everyone is so supportive which encourages people like me to keep going.

Therefore, I can truly say that learning Welsh has changed my life.

Advice

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this – "Don't focus on perfection. Instead, focus on celebrating progress".

And don't worry about making mistakes – that's how we all learn anything. Make mistakes, and learn from them.