A1/A2 Welsh Gogledd Cymraeg & TGAU Cymraeg Ail Iaith - Non-native speaker but experienced and willing to help!

Find out more about Nathan James

• 1) Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  When I was in primary school, I had a teaching assistant who was a first language speaker. Every year, she would host a Welsh language and culture day, and I LOVED it! I started to learn Welsh quite a few years ago, but then I wanted to live in Wales and speak Welsh every day. So, I studied at Prifysgol Bangor through the medium of Welsh for a little while, and it was the best time of my life. It really strengthened my Welsh speaking and academic writing skills. I am so thankful to my Welsh tutor at Prifysgol Bangor who supported me both academically and linguistically whilst I was there.

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  For me it would have to be Dafydd Iwan as his music is just emblematic of Wales and the Welsh language. Yma o hyd makes every Welsh speaker feel proud and noticed.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  I feel this is controversial amongst learners, but I actually love treigladau (mutations). They’re just so unique and I had never come across them before. You know you’ve mastered them well when you start doing it whilst speaking your native language.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I just love that I can go to a country so close to mine and speak another language. I don’t need to go to an airport, I just have to drive 1hr 30m, and I’m in a new culture. I feel so relaxed when speaking Welsh, I feel like the same person, but with a different personality.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Many learners struggle with pronunciation and mutations. In my lessons, we do a lot of reading out loud so you can practise both.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Make sure you extend the vowel sound in the word coch…I learnt the hard way!

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I’ve lived in North West Wales and been to numerous Welsh-language events. I really enjoy going to a music festival in Cardiff called Tafwyl.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I’ve learnt this language as a 5th language, so I know the ins-and-outs of learning Welsh. I can recommend great techniques with getting to grips with mutations, pronouncing the Welsh alphabet, and understanding the differences between the two major dialects.