In our feature this month, we look at everyday Welsh statements and questions.
Our revamped Welsh for Beginners section goes into a little more detail than on previous occasions just to make it more challenging and interesting. We’ve also included phrases and adjective-noun combinations to show you how the dreaded mutations can sometimes raise their unpredictable head and to give the guide a more realistic feel!
All you experts out there, please feel free to comment on the pronunciation guide. We welcome your feedback, but please be kind – none of us are Welsh!
This month, we’re dealing with everyday expressions, questions and introductions. It’s another practical subject that you’re likely to encounter in your daily life, so let’s dive in!
| English | Welsh | Pronunciation Guide |
| How are you? | Sut ydych chi? | sit ǝdich12 chi2 |
| I’m fine | Rwy’n iawn | rǝdween1 eeown |
| How old are you? | Beth yw eich oed chi? | beth iu ache oid chi2 |
| Where do you live? | Ble dych chi’n byw? | ble dich chin2 biu |
| I live in… | Dw i’n byw ym… | dwin biu ǝm1 |
| What’s your job? | Beth yw eich swydd? | beth iu ache suwith3 |
| Pleased to meet you | Falch i gwrdd â chi | valch2 ee goordd3 a chi2 |
| I support Wrexham | Rwy’n cefnogi Wrecsam. | ru-in cevnogee recsam |
| You’re welcome | Croeso ydych chi | croiso ǝdich chi |
| I don’t like it | Dydw i ddim yn ei hoffi | dǝdweeh1 im ǝn i hoffi |
| Where are you going? | Ble rydych chi’n mynd? | ble rǝdich12 chin1 min-d |
| I don’t remember | Dydw i ddim yn cofio | deedui ddim in covio |
Key
- 1 The “ǝ” here sounds almost like the “u” in “cuff”.
- 2 The “ch” is like the “ch” in “loch”.
- 3 The “dd” sounds like the “th” in “the”
A Brief History of Cymraeg – Introduction
Firstly, Cymraeg, or Welsh, is a language native to the British Isles, originating from a Celtic language spoken by the ancient Britons. Throughout its history, it has faced numerous challenges to its existence.
Welsh is a Brythonic language, meaning British Celtic in origin. It was in use in Britain before the Roman occupation arrived around 600 BC. The Celtic language evolved in the British Isles into a Brythonic tongue, which provided the basis not only for Welsh but also Breton and Cornish.
The Welsh Language Society
Secondly, in the 19th century, the Welsh language still did not benefit from the increasing literacy levels amongst the general public. Moreover, whilst children were attending school, Welsh was not part of the school curriculum. English was still the dominant language as it represented administration and business in an era of imperial expansion.
In 1942 the Welsh Courts Act formally addressed the issue of defendants and plaintiffs speaking in English and ushered in a new law allowing the use of Welsh in the courts.
Today the language appears at home, in the workplace, in the community and also in the government. In the 2011 census, over 562,000 people named Welsh as their main language.
Finally, to learn more Welsh phrases view The Welsh Gift Shop website here. You can also view our other Welsh words click here.
