How to learn Welsh

The Welsh language has a long and proud tradition in Wales. With the increasing prominence of Welsh in schools and businesses all across Wales, it has never been a better time to learn Welsh. Not only is mastering another language a great way to build your own self-confidence, knowing how to speak Welsh can be the key to a whole new career.

• 1

  Visit websites like BBC Wales' “Learn Welsh” and Cardiff University's “A Welsh Course” to download a free Welsh language course. Set aside an hour or two every day where you can practice the language. Like any language, when starting to learn Welsh it is important to become familiar with the sounds and words being used and this is made much easier through regular exposure.

• 2

  Make a list every day of 10 verbs and nouns that you want to learn. Note how they are both spelled and pronounced plus their English translations. Split the verbs into their usual cases (such as “I go”, “you go”, “he/she/it goes”, etc.) and tenses. Practice this list every chance you get, and test yourself on it each evening. If you don't master a particular word, add it to the next day's list.

• 3

  Make contact with Welsh speakers and other Welsh language students, either via the Internet or local groups. This is an important method of practising speaking the language, as well as being able to read it in books or online. If you notice any common words or phrases are giving you difficulty, add them to your word list for further practice.