Meet Graham

Originally from Surrey, Graham Boswell moved to Wales in 1985. He now lives in Aberystwyth and works as a Medical Consultant at Bronglais Hospital.

Graham is learning Welsh with Learn Welsh Ceredigion – Powys – Sir Gâr, which is run by Aberystwyth University on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Graham shares his language journey with us…

What inspired you to start learning Welsh?

I wanted to speak Welsh with my patients and my grandchildren.

How are you learning Welsh at the moment?

I’ve enrolled on an Intermediate Learn Welsh course, which takes place online two evenings a week. I also follow a confidence-building course at work, with a personal tutor, which is very useful. I watch programmes on S4C and listen to Radio Cymru.

Why is it important to offer services in Welsh?

I use Welsh at work every day. We want to provide the best possible service to our patients and, when they’re ill, I find that communicating with them in their first language helps them feel more at ease and improves understanding. Patients often appreciate my efforts to speak Welsh with them.

Do you use your Welsh outside the classroom?

Yes, I speak Welsh with my grandchildren and friends. I sometimes go to Cletwr café to meet a group for a ‘Paned a Sgwrs’ (cuppa and a chat).

What do you enjoy most about learning Welsh?

I enjoy learning a language I can use every day. It’s also great to meet people from Wales and other countries who are all learning Welsh.

What would you say to someone thinking about learning Welsh?

Go for it. It's wonderful to see the smile on patients' faces when you speak Welsh to them.