The language has always been an important part of my life, even though I couldn’t speak it myself.

Dai Pitman was born in Maerdy, Rhondda Fach, but has lived in Pontypridd for 20 years.

Dai is learning Welsh, and recently went on a residential course for learners at the Urdd Centre in Glan-llyn, organised by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

We had a chat with Dai about his language journey…

Why did you want to learn Welsh?

My grandfather and my aunt used to speak Welsh, and my grandmother was from Beddgelert. My son and daughter also speak Welsh because they went to Welsh-medium schools.

So, the language has always been an important part of my life, even though I couldn’t speak it myself.

Where are you learning Welsh?

I’m learning in a class at the University of Treforest with Learn Welsh Glamorgan, which is run by the University of South Wales on behalf of the National Centre.  I’ll be starting the Advance level course next.

Do you speak Welsh outside the classroom?

Yes – I really enjoy going to Pontypridd’s Welsh Club, Clwb y Bont. I also like going to the Bore Coffi coffee morning at Pontypridd Museum on Thursday mornings to chat in Welsh. 

You’ve recently been on a residential course in Glan-llyn, near Bala – what was that like?

This was my second time on a language course at the Urdd’s Glan-llyn residential centre. I really enjoy meeting other people who are learning Welsh, and I also like going to the pub in Bala to chat with the locals in Welsh. My Welsh improves a lot after a couple of pints!

It’s also nice to do activities on the lake between the Welsh lessons.

Did you go to the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd?

Yes, I did – I was a steward back stage in the pavilion. I used sentences like ‘trowch i’r chwith’ (turn left), ‘syth ymlaen’ (straight ahead), ‘toiled trwy’r drws yna’ (the toilet’s through that door) very often during the week!

It was lovely to welcome the Eisteddfod to Pontypridd and to meet people from all parts of Wales.

If you would like to attend a residential course at Glan-llyn like Dai, keep an eye on our website. The course will be held 1-3 May next year.