Here are some answers to some of your queries:

Won't it confuse a child to learn more than one language at an early age?

Can I help my children with their Welsh even if I can't speak Welsh myself?

Where can I find jobs in Welsh?

Won't it confuse a child to learn more than one language at an early age?

No. In the past, parents were discouraged from speaking more than one language to a child for fear of confusing him or her (not only in Wales - it also happened in many other countries, such as America). However, it has long since been proved that the earlier a child is exposed to a second language, the more easily they will pick it up. A small child may hop from one language to the other and seem not to know which is which at times, and will certainly know words in one which they don't in the other - but the gaps will fill themselves naturally as time goes by. Don't miss the opportunity to give your child the gift of bilingualism!

Back to questions

Can I help my children with their Welsh even if I can't speak Welsh myself?

Yes, you can! There are plenty of things you can do:

Take an interest in what your child is doing at school – ask what toys or games they enjoy, what they did at school today – even what they had for lunch.

Encourage your child to watch Welsh-language television, and take an interest yourself in the characters – ask what their names are and so on.

Play a few simple games with nursery-age children - amazing what you can do if you learn a few animal names, colours and numbers!

If your child is older, have a look at their school work, and ask them to explain things to you. Explaining in English helps them gain a better understanding of the work.

Similarly, ask your child how to say things in Welsh – this will help bring Welsh out of the classroom into family life.

Praise your child when you hear him or her speaking Welsh – show that you think it's a good thing to speak more than one language, and that you are proud of him or her.

Take your child to places and events where they will come into contact with Welsh.

Who do you know that can speak Welsh – family and relatives, neighbours, friends? Try to arrange plenty of opportunities for your child to spend time with them, and encourage them (gently!) to speak Welsh.

And – of course – how about joining one of our Welsh for Adults classes at a location near you?

Back to questions

Where can I find jobs in Welsh?

JOB TRAC CYMRU / SAFLE SWYDDI Enillydd Cwmni Dwyieithog y Flwyddyn 2008 Winner of Bilingual Business of the Year 2008 RCT Business Club Awards (sponsored by the Welsh Language Board) Swyddi i Siaradwyr Cymraeg : Jobs for Welsh Speakers www.jobtraccymru.com www.safleswyddi.com

Back to questions