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New Year’s resolution pays off for Welsh learners James and Gareth 15 January 2010 Two best friends who made a New Year’s resolution to learn Welsh in 2009 say the language has been a massive boost to their careers.
James Murphy and Gareth Hughes, both 30-year-old teachers in South Wales schools, began learning the language at the Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre at the start of last year.
The pair recognised that being able to speak Welsh would be beneficial to their jobs, as both of their schools encourage bilingualism.
Gareth teaches PE at Treorchy Comprehensive and James teaches year six pupils at All Saints Primary in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff.
Both had learned Welsh to GCSE standard when they were pupils at Pencoed Comprehensive School in Bridgend, but had let their skills slip over the years.
According to James, learning the language has also helped him socially, as he can now converse with his girlfriend Angharad in her mother tongue.
During 2009, James and Gareth attended the Cwrs Sylfaen (Foundation Course) at Llantrisant Primary School, which took place on two evenings a week. They built on what they learnt at the lessons by practising speaking Welsh with colleagues and friends, and by watching S4C and reading Welsh books.
James, who is now able to teach his pupils basic Welsh, said: “I really enjoyed the course and I hope to progress with the language at the Welsh for Adults Centre in 2010. I’ve got a lot more confidence when speaking the language now and it’s a great feeling to be able to teach my pupils bilingually.”
Gareth said: “The course was a big commitment for us as we both have busy jobs. But we stuck with it and personally I feel I have benefited greatly. About 60 per cent of my colleagues speak Welsh, so now I feel I am one of them, and regularly join in their conversations. It’s been a great experience so far – and it’s also meant that I get to see more of my old friend James!”
There are six Welsh Assembly Government-funded Welsh for Adults Centres in Wales. Courses cater for people who want to learn from scratch to those who are fluent and just want to brush up.
The Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre covers Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend. To find out more about learning Welsh in your area call 01443 483600 or go to http://www.welshlearners.org.uk/
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