Learn and practice Cymraeg

How To Start Learning Welsh

A language is more than just words. It’s an understanding of a culture, history, humour, community, and a sense of place and belonging. A new language gives you access to more people, more opportunities, and more perspectives, and learning Welsh is now easier than ever.
 

Before you get started, consider:

1 - Learning style - Everyone learns in different ways. Select an approach that suits you.

2 - Lifestyle - Establish a learning plan that matches your free time and lifestyle.

3 - Focus - Begin by learning words and phrases that are relevant to your life, interests, and needs.

4 - Start - Use new words and phrases right away; you don’t need to be fluent to start speaking a language. Start with one word at a time.

5 - Why? - A clear, compelling reason for learning can provide motivation and purpose, sustaining your progress through more challenging periods.
 

Below is a list of different learning resources to help you get started on your journey.

Combine some of these to see the greatest progress in your learning.
 

• Learn Welsh – Service offering a variety of formal, Welsh lessons.

• Nant Gwrtheyrn – Language centre that offers Welsh lessons and residential courses.

• Say Something In Welsh - Website offering resources to learn Welsh.

• We learn Welsh - Website offering resources to learn Welsh.

• Doctor Cymraeg - Website offering resources to learn Welsh.

• Get Welsh Words - A resource by the Welsh Government to help with Welsh vocabulary.

• Welsh Plus - Welsh pronunciation videos for beginners.

• Helo Blod – Professional, free Welsh translation service.

• Duolingo - Popular app offering fun games to learn vocabulary and grammar.

• Events Supporting Welsh Learners in Gwynedd - A list of activities for learners in Gwynedd.

• Hwb Cymraeg Dwyfor - Page advertising opportunities to practice and use your Welsh in Dwyfor.

• S4C - An entirely Welsh-language TV channel offering a variety of programs.

• BBC Radio Cymru - An entirely Welsh-language radio channel offering various programs and music.

• Spotify – Popular music app with various Welsh playlists.

Here are the individuals and families from all parts of Gwynedd who have learnt Welsh.  

Huge congratulations to Carrie, Richard and Anthea, Danielle, Sarah, Amy, Clare and her family. They’re a testimony to what is possible.

Their choice to assimilate into the community here in Gwynedd is fantastic. One thing links all of their experiences; that doors opened to opportunities once they had learnt Welsh; living in Gwynedd became a richer experience. Anyone can learn Welsh; if you fancy having a go contact Dysgu Cymraeg.

If you are already learning Welsh and want an opportunity to practice your skills, as well as getting to know Welsh speakers, there are loads of opportunities in Gwynedd, follow Menter Iaith Gwynedd and Menter Iaith Bangor on Facebook for the latest news or e-mail post@menteriaithgwynedd.cymru

A huge thanks to all the groups and individuals who run events that offer opportunities for people to practice their Cymraeg, if you would like to help out at one of these regular events or are interested in starting a group in your area, then please get in touch!

Dysgu a Mwynhau yn y Gymraeg – Carrie Rimmes

Stori Richard ac Anthea

Stori Danielle

Stori Sarah

Stori Amy

Teulu Rhydymain a’u profiad o’r ganolfan drochi

'Hapus i Siarad' Project

The “Hapus i Siarad” (Happy to Talk) project provides an opportunity for Welsh learners to speak Welsh in small local businesses that are “hapus i siarad” (happy to talk). Small businesses form an important part of our communities and every day lives and they are perfect places to gain confidence speaking Welsh.

Local businesses keen to take part in the scheme will receive a poster along with tips on how to encourage Welsh speakers, and learners in particular, to speak the language and build confidence. So watch out for the posters!  

Businesses in Bala, Bethesda, Caernarfon,  Felinheli, Dolgellau, Porthmadog, Nefyn and Pwllheli have agreed to join the scheme.  Call to see them, you’ll be made welcome and get to practice your Welsh.

An opportunity to Chat in Welsh in the Community 

Here are opportunities for Welsh learners to practice their conversation skills and get to know Welsh-speaking communities in all parts of Gwynedd.  We know that the list is not complete, there is sure to be a lot that goes on that we don't know about so please let us know of any other activities and we’ll add them to the list