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Celtic Radio Community > Wales > Introduce Yourself!

Posted by: susieq76 20-Apr-2005, 08:35 AM

Hey everyone, My name is Susanna, and I am the moderator for Wales. I thought it would be good to get a central welcoming thread for us to post on and introduce ourselves to one another. Sorry it has taken so long to get to this! Many welcomes to our humble Forum and to Celtic Radio! We are glad to have you here, and look forward to loads of conversations!

Posted by: susieq76 20-Apr-2005, 08:41 AM

I will start with myself! I am Susanna, a 28 year old who lives in North Carolina, in the U.S. I love all things Celtic, and have an uncle whose family is from Wales and that originally got me interested. When the position for a new moderator here opened up, I bugged Macfive until he graciously allowed me to jump in! And so, since then I have been reading lots of books, learning (trying to anyway) Welsh and expanding my knowledge of Wales. I am so excited that there is a place here for those of us who love Wales, and it is great to see so many people who are also interested in it! Any conversations/lessons in Welsh will be in the language section of this website, which is listed under Celtic Languages. Just a note - feel free to post new threads about Wales in this forum, but check first to make sure that there isn't already a thread about the same subject. That way we can avoid duplicates! Thanks so much!!

Posted by: Siarls 22-Apr-2005, 11:03 AM

Helo! Fy enw ydy Siarls. Fi'n byw yn Ne Cymru. Cymro Cymraeg fi, ond hefyd fi'n astudio'r Gymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Cymru Abertawe. Fi'n siarad yn wahanol o Gymraeg Safonol, so os well (gy)da chi, ond fi'n treial "mix and match" fy Nghymraeg a fi'n gallu cadw fy nhafodiaith ond hefyd chi gyd yn gallu deall. Hi. My name's Siarls. I live in South Wales. I am Welsh, but I also study Welsh at the University of Wales Swansea. I speak differently from Standard Welsh, but if you prefer, I will try to mix and match my Welsh and then I can keep my dialect and you can still understand me!

Posted by: gwenynen 29-Apr-2005, 11:53 AM

I finally found this thread. Diolch, Susanna for the direction. I didn't even notice there were several pages of Welsh thread. I'm Gwenynen. I got the name from Gwenynen Gwent, the bardic name of Lady Llanover. She was English but was born in Wales and married a Welsh man. She used her wealth to contribute greatly to the Welsh culture and language. There is even a society: http://www.ladyllanover.org.uk/ I have no Welsh ancestry that I know of unless I go back to Noah but I consier myself Cymraes at heart. When I came across Wales and the language, though from across the Atlantic, I thought I had unearthed my true identity at last. For some time before that, I felt as if I were waiting for something, not for a letter in the mail, not for a person but something I couldn't figure out myself. Now I know what that 'something' is - discovering of my identity. I live in USA and have a family. They know I like to study Welsh more than cook dinner for them! I hope more people interested in Wales will join us. Hwyl am y tro.

Posted by: Eiric 11-May-2005, 09:31 AM

Shw Mae! My name's Johan Eiric and I'm an 18 years old lad frae Sweden. Thanks to Siarls I found this site, and I have also started to learn Welsh thanks to him! Diolch! See ya!

Posted by: Siarls 11-May-2005, 09:37 AM

Hey Ioan! Shwmae! Anything you need, I'm at your service. I thought I saw you were active in the Gaelic threads. I don't have the confidence to venture in there!

Posted by: gwenynen 11-May-2005, 01:02 PM

Helo Johan. Croeso! Good for you to have started learning Welsh. Siarls is a great teacher. You're from Sweden? One of my favorite Christian singers is Lena Maria. Have you heard her? She is popular in Japan among non-Christians too. I hear Swedish and Danish are relatively similar. Do you think so? I used to work for a Danish company in Japan. I tried to learn Danish but failed. The only thing I remember is "Mange tak" - Thank you very much. I'm not even sure if I spelled it right. Anyway, welcome to the Welsh thread. Hope you'll enjoy.

Posted by: Eiric 12-May-2005, 12:45 AM

Well, they're related but if swedish is RP, then Danish is drunken frenchmen trying to speak american english...

Posted by: WizardofOwls 12-May-2005, 03:59 AM

QUOTE (Siarls @ 11-May-2005, 11:37 AM) Hey Ioan! Shwmae! Anything you need, I'm at your service. I thought I saw you were active in the Gaelic threads. I don't have the confidence to venture in there! Hi Siarls! Don't be afraid of the Gaelic threads! We don't bite! I promise! I am far from fluent and make mistakes quite often. I would consider myself somewhere between the advanced beginner and intermediate levels in Gaelic. Cù Dubh and Faileas are wonderful teachers. Have I mentioned how wonderful it is to see the Welsh threads being used? I am so glad you guys are here! Now if we could just get the other Celtic Language threads moving! I'm really surprised that the Irish threads aren't being used, since we have such a large group of Irish learners here! We need to get some Breton, Cornish, and Manx Gaelic speakers involved here! Anybody know any?

Posted by: WizardofOwls 12-May-2005, 04:03 AM

Please forgive me for the off-topic post above! I am not a learner of Welsh, but of Scottish Gaelic. SOmeday I would love to learn the Welsh also, but for nwo I have my hands full with the Gaelic. As Moderator, I will pop in from time to time jsut to make sure that there aren't any problems. I speak no Welsh, so I will be depending on you guys to help me keep an eye on the Welsh only thread to make sure nothing inappropriate gets posted there. Please notify me as soon as possible if you see something I need to remove! Well, I've got to get to work. Happy learning, everyone!

Posted by: Eiric 12-May-2005, 05:13 AM

I just showed me french teacher this home page (the one from Breizh) and he will hopefully join this forum!

Posted by: Siarls 12-May-2005, 08:05 AM

My Gaelic extends mainly to "I am tired". It was Faileas that introduced me to this site. We talk now and again on Yahoo Messenger. I know someone who teaches Breton, I will email her this website. Hopefully that will get Breton moving. I'm surprised about Ireland as well - I thought Ireland would be the most famous/popular Celtic nation. I'll keep an eye on the Welsh threads!!! My friend speaks Norwegian and she had a friend who was Danish and they used to communicate quite well. She'd say something in Norwegian and he'd reply in Danish. It worked quite well.

Posted by: gwenynen 12-May-2005, 10:06 AM

My memory must be failing. I must have heard Danish and Norwegian were similar, not Swedish.

Posted by: Siarls 12-May-2005, 10:37 AM

No, I mean all the Scanindavian languages are similar. According to my Norwegian friend anyway, she can understand both Swedish and Danish. She can't understand Icelandic, though. Finnish and the native languages of Northern Scandinavia however are not of the same family of languages, so when I say Scandinavian - I mean Danish, Norwegian and Swedish.

Posted by: WizardofOwls 12-May-2005, 07:18 PM

QUOTE (WizardofOwls @ 12-May-2005, 06:03 AM) As Moderator, I will pop in from time to time ! Hello everyone! When I wrote this this morning, i thought I was reading something in the Celtic Languages forum which I moderate. Obviously this is the Wales forum which I don't moderate! (Wiz blushes) Sorry for the confusion!

Posted by: Siarls 13-May-2005, 07:27 AM

You have some sort of authority here though don't you, WizardofOwls?

Posted by: WizardofOwls 13-May-2005, 07:24 PM

Well, yes, I am the Moderator for the Celtic Languages and Brittany forums, but here in Wales, I'm just another visitor! Susieq76 is the moderator for the Wales forum.

Posted by: susieq76 18-May-2005, 08:40 AM

Although he is a wonderful moderator & most welcome visitor Love having you here Wiz!!

Posted by: WizardofOwls 18-May-2005, 08:08 PM

Well, aren't you just the sweetest thing! Thanks dear! And you're a wonderful moderator yourself! I am SO glad you're back! I've missed you tremendously! Glad to hear you had a good time! How is Adam? Sorry you didn't get to see much of Wales! That must have been a big disappointment! Looking forward to seeing some pics! Well, I'd better get off of here. Take care everyone and God bless!

Posted by: Antwn ap Ioan 02-Jun-2005, 07:51 PM

Helo - Antwn ydw i, dysgwr Americanaidd o'r hen iaith. Ges i fy ngeni yn Virginia yn wreiddiol ond dw i'n byw mewn gorllewin canol bellach. Daeth fy nheulu ar ochr fy mam o Gearfili yng Nghymru. Ychydig o flynyddoedd yn ôl oedd fy mam yn cysylltu â pherthynas bell yng Nghymru a ofynodd am hynafiad. Ges i nghywrain am Gymraeg wedi dysgu am fy hynafiaid a bellach dw i'n ei charu. Hello - I am Antwn, an American learner of the old language. I was born in Virginia originally but I live in the Midwest now. My family on my mother's side came from Caerfilly in Wales. A few years ago my mother was contacted by a distant relative in Wales who asked about an ancestor. I was curious about the Welsh language after learning about my ancestors and now I love it.

Posted by: gwenynen 02-Jun-2005, 10:47 PM

Why, Antwn, I assumed you lived in the British Isles. I didn't know we were neighbors (in the American sense.) I'm so glad to hear you too love the Welsh language.

Posted by: Siarls 03-Jun-2005, 04:18 AM

Felly, beth ydy dy enw llawn, Antwn? Fi'n gobeithio dy fod di'n cael siawns i ddod i Gymru yn y dyfodol. So, what's your full name, Antwn? I hope you have the chance to come to Wales in the future.

Posted by: Ride a Cowboy 03-Jun-2005, 08:45 PM

Figured it rude ta not post a helo here in the off-chance I ever find something to be replying/posting... So with that said, helo. As fer meself, 25 y/o Canadian Oilpatch worker... visiting Wales next year during Break-up (thus the interest other then some distant family conections.... Welsh/Scottish.) I have been interested in Gaelic for some time, but lack the desire to spend cash on a corse I will have little time due to work, and even less natural abilty or smarts to make proper use of... Welsh, thanks to the BBC pages I stumbled on, should alow fer a foundation on which a basic comunication ability might grow in preparation fer me vacation. Well, guess thats it. Might see ya around if I ever get past the shw mae... not holding me breath.

Posted by: Rindy1202 03-Jun-2005, 08:53 PM

Howdy there Ride a Cowboy! Its great to meet you. Welcome to the Celtic Radio Forum. I hope you enjoy the music. I hope you enjoy this forum as well as the people here are wonderful. We already have a lot in common as I live in the western U.S. and my family has been in the oil business for years. I think you will find lots to learn on this site and many languages... I will be looking forward to learning more about you.. Slainte

Posted by: Siarls 05-Jun-2005, 07:24 AM

Hello. Hope you enjoy our Wales forum!

Posted by: susieq76 15-Jun-2005, 02:49 PM

Hey Ride a Cowboy! So glad to have you here in the Wales forum! I have missed a lot the past week and a half while being in love.....good news is I am getting internet connectivity sometime within the next 7 - 10 days according to EarthLink, lol! So I will be on here every night! Yay! I can learn Welsh for real this time. Anywho, very glad to meet your acquaintance.

Posted by: WizardofOwls 15-Jun-2005, 08:04 PM

YAY SUSIE! Great news! I'll look forwarding to hearing more from you!!! By the way, has anybody heard anything from Siarls lately? Haven't seen him for a while...

Posted by: gwenynen 16-Jun-2005, 09:53 AM

He'll be back, Wizard.

Posted by: Siarls 16-Jun-2005, 10:44 AM

Helo pobl. Mae ddrwg gyda fi - fi newydd ddod yn ol. Shw mae pawb? Hey people. Sorry - I've just come back. How are you all?

Posted by: anhrefn 02-Oct-2005, 09:14 AM

hi everyone - susanna, i wish you lived near me in nc. i'm slowly and sporadically trying to learn welsh, too, and it'd be great to have someone with whom to practice. one of my ancestors, william williams, was a miner in wales (who wasn't?) a couple of years ago i went over there and rode my bicycle around the country for five weeks. i'd go back in five minutes (mostly everything's already packed) if i could. there's no place on this earth i've ever been that's more beautiful.

Posted by: Siarls 05-Oct-2005, 07:05 AM

Helo Anhrefn. Shwti? How's your Welsh coming along? What do you use? Did you practise any Welsh while you were here? Siarls y dw i - a chroeso ar Celticradio.net Dy le gorau i bractisio Cymraeg. Your best place to practise Welsh

Posted by: anhrefn 05-Oct-2005, 07:27 AM

i've been using the bbc - wales learn welsh program. i wish i would've found it before i went over there. i got some book/tape thingy to learn the language before my trip but, it was a dreadful learning program. yepyep, i did manage to practice a wee bit of my welsh while i was there. not as much as i would've liked, though. the vocabulary and pronounciation came pretty easily - it was the syntax and grammar that got me (and still do). i'd so much like to be able to hold an actual welsh conversation by the next time i get myself over there...

Posted by: gwenynen 05-Oct-2005, 08:25 AM

Shwmae, Anhrefn. Croeso i'r fforwm. Glad to have you. I've been using Learn Welsh too. I also made a mitake in choosing the wrong material at the beginning! Right now I'm looking for a good program for a pre-intermediate level. I hope you'll frequent the Welsh section. Hwyl am y tro.

Posted by: Antwn ap Ioan 05-Oct-2005, 12:41 PM

Hello again Anhrefn, glad you came over to the Welsh area! Croeso unwaith eto. Like Siarls says, you'll find this is a good place to practice your Welsh. I'm sure you've seen the Beginner's Welsh board where we practice. Please take a tour aroud the various Welsh boards if you haven't already, both in Celtic Nations/Wales and Celtic Languages/Welsh. There are language Q&A boards and practice boards. Glad you're here! Gwenynen, have you looked at Intermediate Welsh by Gareth King? I'm not recommending it since I haven't seen it, but was wondering if you'd looked it over and what you think of it. I've been looking alot at David Thorne's book since I've been interested in literary Welsh - I just love the way it works. What books are you using now for the somewhere-around-early-intermediate level? That's about where I consider myself too.

Posted by: gwenynen 05-Oct-2005, 03:06 PM

Aw, Antwn, if you're early intermediate, I'm still mid beginner! I've finished Lloyds in Learn Welsh (while using various other materials) and tried Cam Ymlaen. But I'm not sure if it's what I want to work on. They use Mi and Fe at the beginning of affirmative sentenses but I've learned without them so far. I guess some people use them and some don't. They are so confusing that I don't know what to do. I just read some reviews on G King's Intermediate Welsh. I do have Modern Welsh by him. It's very thorough but maybe too much information for some learners (like me!) His example sentences are so hard! So for now, I use this and that of what I already have (such as Teach Yourself Welsh, easy books, CDs, etc) plus things on the internet. What I really want and need is a Welsh class!

Posted by: Siarls 05-Oct-2005, 03:39 PM

Heini Gruffydd's Welsh Talk I'm sure will be a huge help. It is simple and helpful. You already know fy mod i'n etc. So, you're to a good level. I shall go in search of some good books in my library tomorrow. And get some advice off lecturers. As yet, I still have not met Heini Gruffydd! I wish I could give you some in-person lessons as they are far more constructive than online forums. I did record some Welsh for you all, but my vanity took over - as I hate the sound of my own voice.

Posted by: gwenynen 05-Oct-2005, 08:18 PM

O, Siarls! Paid dweud peth fel na! Don't throw it away! Anfona hynny ata i, plîs! Your voice always sounds funny to yoursef when you hear your recorded voice.

Posted by: Antwn ap Ioan 06-Oct-2005, 10:29 AM

I can empathize Siarls, I also hate the sound of my recorded voice. Yeah, it sure would be nice to have access to regular Welsh classes. Its strange that with so much Celtic influence and immigration to this country that classes in Celtic languages should be so rare here.

Posted by: Siarls 06-Oct-2005, 12:34 PM

It is a shame and I'm surprised at people abandoning their Welsh heritage... here in Wales too. Welsh classes are everywhere here though. In my opinion, still not enough people learning! Ok, I shall build up the courage and try and get something clear and nice-sounding!

Posted by: gwenynen 06-Oct-2005, 01:19 PM

Hwre, Siarls!

Posted by: Siarls 24-Oct-2005, 11:06 AM

Hello Everyone. I thought maybe I should update you all. Susieg is extremely busy at the moment, so she has asked me to take over as forum leader here. Macfive supported the change! WELCOME TO THE WALES FORUM! And best wishes and good health to Susieg and her family. xxx

Posted by: gwenynen 24-Oct-2005, 06:27 PM

Great! Thank you Siarls. You are the very right person for take over the job. And best wishes for Susanna.

Posted by: Antwn ap Ioan 25-Oct-2005, 10:17 AM

I agree, you're the perfect choice Siarls. Llongyfarchiadau! Maybe we can expand the Welsh language usage here too - efallai? My best wishes to SuzieQ and family also.

Posted by: Siarls 31-Oct-2005, 11:14 AM

I shall see what is said about using Welsh in here. Topics on grammar and learning however should remain in the language section! What do you have in mind, Antwn?

Posted by: Mihangel 06-Dec-2005, 01:08 AM

Hi Everyone I would just like to give a brief introduction of myself to this forum. I am now learning Welsh and have been doing so for the past 8 months. My progress is slow but I am getting there and really enjoying myself as I regain my “lost” culture. Although originally from Wales I now live in Western Australia and I am learning mostly through the BBC sites which are very helpful and reading and listening to whatever I can. I am isolated in my learning here in Aussie but am determined to get there. It is somewhat sad that I never learnt it as a child but then opportunities to learn Welsh were either non existent or almost frowned upon. What a glorious difference there is now in Wales with the progress of teaching this great language. Michael.

Posted by: gwenynen 06-Dec-2005, 08:49 AM

Croeso eto, Michael. I'm so glad you made it. This is a wonderful forum, with a great arrangement and friendly members. You'll find out for yourself soon. How's your Welsh learning going? I'm still searching for a good material. Most of us here are learning on our own so we can understand the difficuilties. We share tips as well as joys and sorrows. Ble mae pawb? Give Michael a warm welcome!

Posted by: Antwn 06-Dec-2005, 09:30 AM

Hello and welcome. Always good to have a new member and Welsh learner, and you're not the only Aussie here though Austaff hasn't been around as often lately. As Gwen said, this is a great place to learn and exchange ideas and people here are quite friendly and remarkably diverse. Only one of the regs here is actually in Wales. The rest of us are self studying distance learners for want of a better title. You've come to the right place, we're happy to support and learn from you. Let us know what resources you're using and/or what you're looking for in resources. Welcome, once again - good to have you here.

Posted by: austaff 06-Dec-2005, 08:04 PM

Hi Michael Croeso to the forum we all hope that you will stay and join in with us on the other forums I too live in Australia but on the other side to you Queenslander. I was also born in Wales South Wales, I have been learning welsh for a year now and am slowly begining to understand whats being written and said but it will be a long time before I am fluent. As with the others we are learning through web pages etc. Gwen is our Bard as she had a mention for the story she sent to the Japan eisteddfod. Siarls is our mentor but he seems to have gone missing at ther mo probably in the middle of exams in uni look forward to hearing more from you

Posted by: gwenynen 06-Dec-2005, 08:32 PM

Awstaff, I'm no bard at all! I got a mention because mine was the only entry from overseas, I'm sure. I thought you and Michael could get together to practice... Wel, at least you are in the same country!

Posted by: Mihangel 06-Dec-2005, 09:41 PM

Hi Gwenynen and Austaff As Austaff will testify Oz is a big country and Austaff is further from me than I am from Singapore. But at least we are in the same country but as for time zones; now that is different matter and one of great debate in my state!. However I am glad to be here and I happy to converse with anybody. I would like (don’t have time today) to write (try) my messages in Welsh but I believe the convention here is to translate into English as well which is OK. As for my background I am a little bit of a puzzle as the intention of my parents was for me to be born in Wales but as circumstance had it (couldn't wait) I was born on the other side of the border but basically without that aberration I come from a village called “Cwm” which is near Ebbw Vale. Is that close to where you come from Austaff? So I am English and Welsh and if you go back two generations Irish also! As for my learning of Welsh; it is progressing well I think. I am about half way through both the original catchphrase course and The Lloyds on the BBC and nearly finished a basic course I am doing with Rosetta Stone software. I listen to the spoken word via the BBC especially the news as much as possible and I am also reading as best I can the book Cysgod yn y Coed and I am making progress which is exciting. Now I am very interested in the Eisteddfod in Japan and your contribution Gwenynen!

Posted by: Rindy 07-Dec-2005, 08:49 AM

Hi and Welcome to this wonderful place.. I hope you like the music as well as the great people that are on here.. I look forward to your postings.. Slainte

Posted by: austaff 07-Dec-2005, 06:58 PM

Gwen wear the crown with pride you have achieved so much

Posted by: gwenynen 07-Dec-2005, 08:26 PM

Diolch, Austaff. Michael, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying Cysgod yn y Coed. I think it's one of the best novels for learners. Tell us which story you like best when you're done. They haven't updated the website for St. David's Society in Japan since last year! I got all the info about the eisteddfod by e-mail. I posted my composition in the Beginner's Welsh thread (in Welsh section.) There're mistakes, though!

Posted by: Siarls 08-Dec-2005, 07:48 AM

Croeso croeso croeso, Mihangel. I wish I could've been here sooner to welcome you and give you a bigger welcome but I'm short of time and have to read all the new posts! So welcome here and I'll speak to you soon! Hwyl am y tro

Posted by: fruitbat1 12-Jan-2006, 09:43 PM

I lived in N.Wales in the 70s in the Clwyd Valley,now resident in the IoM,my parents still live in Ruthin and have many friends there (I have always felt that I was a Celt because although born in London I have had my happiest times in the Celtic Nations and because there is Scots blood on Mums side of the family)

Posted by: gwenynen 13-Jan-2006, 08:40 AM

Helo fruitbat1! Do you have any interest in learning Welsh or Welsh culture? Please come to the Welsh section too.

Posted by: Antwn 14-Jan-2006, 10:50 AM

I agree with Gwen, please come to the Welsh section too if you have any interest in learning Welsh. Do you currently speak a Celtic language?

Posted by: idontmakesense 10-Jul-2007, 07:04 PM

Shwmae o Loegr. I'm Chris, a very proud Taff, hi to all Gogs I'm originally from South Wales but now live in England, oddly enough, theres loads of us Taffs here, including some fellow Taffies across the road I support a great football team, Glasgow Celtic, any fellow Bhoys here? I hate introductions, so I'll post some more later, diolch yn fawr, hywl 4 nawr!

Posted by: Leyland 26-Nov-2007, 12:52 PM

Hello! I'm a Southern American with nearly all my ancestors coming across the water from England, Scotland and Wales. My maiden name is Edwards and is courtesy of a Welsh immigrant ancestor. I've also got Evans, Middleton, and Griffiths ancestors in the 18thC and early 19thC from Welsh populated areas of SC to name a few more. I've really enjoyed watching the Cardiff area since getting hooked on Series 1 of Torchwood. Must be some Welsh traces of DNA saying "Hey, there's a familiar place" although very modernized now! But I hope to visit Wales for its history as well one day.

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