A new scheme for Cardiff University students to learn Welsh

By October 2015, Cardiff University will introduce a brand new scheme to help students learn Welsh and become more aware of the Welsh language and culture.

‘Welsh for All’ will make it easier for students to sign-up for a course in Welsh language. It will support them throughout their learning by giving them the chance to meet up with a tutor for 2 hours if they wish to. The teaching will extend to social gatherings and give learners the opportunity to practice some Welsh outside of the classroom.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, approved this project by saying that it would wipe away the difficulties students came across in the past in the process of learning Welsh. He said there were very limited ways to learn Welsh before and that in fact there was “not much Welsh at all.”

“This scheme provides more opportunities for people to learn Welsh, even if it is not part of their course,” he said, “people want to learn something new. Let’s make sure it happens!”

The project has already sparked interest, especially in prospective medical students who are conscious of the importance of knowing some Welsh in order to reassure patients in Wales. An electronic guide has also been commissioned to assist future students: it is interactive and has many features explaining Welsh history, demonstrating how to pronounce certain words or giving the status of the language today.

Supachai, a student at Cardiff Uni from Thailand, gave his first public speech in fluent Welsh, explaining how the Welsh language has helped him integrate. He said that Welsh had been easier for him to learn, than English had been.

“I am not a Welshman but I am very proud of being a part of Wales,” he said, smiling.

Steffan Bryn, the Welsh language officer at Cardiff University’s student union, applauded the scheme and thought it was a real opportunity to “arm people with skills they need in the modern Wales.”