About the Welsh Language

In which countries is the Welsh language spoken?

The Welsh language is mainly spoken in Wales, although there are also some Welsh speakers in England, Scotland, Ireland, and other countries.

What is the history of the Welsh language?

The Welsh language is believed to have evolved from Brythonic, a language spoken in Britain before the Roman invasion in AD 43. By the 6th century, it had developed into Old Welsh, which was used in poetry and literature until the end of the 11th century. Middle Welsh emerged in the 12th century, followed by Modern Welsh in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Welsh Language Act 1993 granted the Welsh language official status in Wales and today over 20% of Welsh speakers use it at home.

Who are the top 5 people who have contributed the most to the Welsh language?

1. Saint David (c. 500 AD): A patron saint of Wales and the founder of several monasteries, he is credited with helping to spread the Welsh language and its literature.
2. William Salesbury (1520– 1584): He published one of the earliest Welsh dictionaries, A Dictionary in Englyshe and Welshe (1547), and was an instrumental figure in creating and promoting a standardised form of Welsh.
3. Dafydd Nanmor (1700–1766): An influential poet, he helped to establish Welsh literature by translating works of popular English authors into Welsh.
4. Lady Charlotte Guest (1812– 1895): She is best known for her translations of the collection of Welsh tales known as the Mabinogion.
5. Saunders Lewis (1893– 1985): A prominent Welsh language poet, playwright, and political activist, he was a major proponent of increasing the status of the Welsh language and culture among the Welsh people.

How is the structure of the Welsh language?

The Welsh language belongs to the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages. It is a highly inflected language, most notably having two forms of verb conjugation and noun declension. Welsh nouns are marked for gender (masculine, feminine, and neuter) as well as number (singular and plural). Verbs in Welsh have eight tenses and four aspects, and also have past and non-past forms.

How to learn the Welsh language in the most correct way?

1. Start with a language course – Whether it’s an online course, a book or even a class in a local college or community group, taking a course can be the best way to learn Welsh in a structured and accurate way.
2. Get native-speaking friends – Having native Welsh speakers you can practice with is invaluable for learning the language properly.
3. Listen to Welsh music and watch Welsh TV – Listening and watching native Welsh speakers will help you pick up the correct pronunciation and some new words too!
4. Read books and newspapers in Welsh – Reading is a great way to build vocabulary and gain a better understanding of how Welsh works.
5. Immerse yourself in the culture – The Welsh language is firmly embedded in the culture, so make sure you visit Wales and enjoy its unique music, festivals, food and activities.