Lessons In Welsh, Are you ready?

[gwenynen]

Susanna, don't be in a hurry to buy course books unless they are strongly recommended by someone who used them. When I started learning, I had no idea where to begin. I didn't know the existence of the internet either. As a result, I ended up collecting several books which use different dialects. (And that was extremely confusing and costly.)

If you can find a Welsh class near you, that'll be the best. But if you are going to learn on your own, it's better to start with a free program such as Learn Welsh, BBC Wales I mentioned. There are several courses in LW. A good start will be Series One where you can start from the very basic.

As you progress, you'll of course have questions. Then you can ask kind Welsh speakers like Siarls or others in other Welsh forums.

[austaff]

Thanks all the bits and pieces are begining to make some sense now hopefuly as we go we will with help learn more

[gwenynen]

Hi, Austaff. I came back to correct my post and found you. It's so nice we can post here and encourage one another.

I always read my posts before posting but for some reason I notice my mistakes after they are in print. "I didn't know the existence of the internet." - I should've said I didn't know the existence of Welsh lessons on the internet.

[Siarls]

A book I would highly recommend is
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...8985480-5417425

This will seriously help anyone beginning the Welsh grammar struggle. There is a long way to go from you, but I honestly vow to you that this is an excellent place to start.

[gwenynen]

Hi, Siarls. Croeso yn ôl! How did the exams go? Ro'n ni'n colli di! Are you still on line? It's amazing we can be posting to the same forum at the same time across the Atlantic. Austaff and I have been keeping up Beginners' Welsh thread during your absence. I will check the website you gave after I post this. I was just so excited to see you back. Hwyl am y tro!

[Siarls]

Diolch, Gwenynen. I can see your conversations and take a great deal of delight in being a member of this forum and seeing you all progress! I have 1 exam left, but my worst ones are over. So far, they're going ok - some better than others. Welsh Lit wasn't that great, but Standard Welsh Language went really well.
Italian is ok. I feel Italian Lit went better than Welsh Lit though!!!!

[gwenynen]

Then you'll be able to have your summer break soon. I don't know how you can learn so many languages like that.

I checked the book. I just bought Gareth King's grammar book which was rather expensive (over $40.) It's thorough and he does list both North and South variations but I think he generally uses Northern Welsh which I'm not familiar.

I still want to buy Heini Gruffudd's book since you recommend it and the price is good and I like his dictionary.

[Siarls]

Northern Welsh is regarded more grammatical and Welshy than the South. I think it's because we use so much English down here, but according to an expert of the Welsh language (his name escapes me, but I'd recommend his books on the Welsh language and will give you his name when I remember), it is because Northern Welsh poets influenced the choice of dialect for the Welsh Bible and subsequently, the Welsh Bible has been the basis for perfect Welsh.

[susieq76]

Thanks so much for the recommendation, Siarls! Glad to hear that exams are going well!! Slogging me down is also the fact that I don't have a computer at home right now. I will have one in August, though and at that point I will be able to do a lot more studying, which will be great. I am hoping that my teachers in school will let me work Welsh into my degree. I am getting my Bachelor of Arts in English, focusing on British Literature, and I would love to convince them to teach some Welsh literature along with that! They seem to be very receptive to letting students plot their own coursework, and it would be even better if they could incorporate it into their classes permanently! If I get the chance to do a summer abroad program, then I will try and go to a college in Swansea or somewhere near there. Do you have any recommendations?

[gwenynen]

O, that's why there are Northern Welsh expressions in the Welsh Bible.

Susanna, what an interesting major you have picked! Who are your favorite authors? I used to read all of Jane Austen's novels and related books. O, but maybe we shouldn't talk about English literature in this thread. (But just this once?)

[Siarls]

A lot of Welsh Literature is in fact, in the English language! Look at Dylan Thomas. Even if your tutors don't like the idea of Welsh literature, Susieg, here is the perfect place to study Welsh English!!

I will look into colleges. The good thing is that in Wales, it is free study Welsh. All you'll need is accommodation.