People are amazed at teacher’s Welsh skills after just 9 months of learning

A teacher has amazed people with her Welsh skills after just 9 months of learning the language.

Angharad Jones, who teaches at Pontllanfraith Primary, in Blackwood, has been taking the Cymraeg Mewn Blwyddyn (Welsh in a Year) course through the Sabbatical Scheme, which is available through the University of Wales.

She shared a video on her progress on Twitter which received a steam of positive responses, including from Welsh comedian Tudur Owen, who called her “inspiring”.

Here's my latest video to show my progress since I started on the course #CymraegMewnBlwyddyn. Still making mistakes and still learning from them, which is an important part of the process of learning anything new. #Cymraeg #dysgwr @EAS_Cymraeg @cynllunsabothol pic.twitter.com/9FSMXUaCRM

— Miss Jones (@missjonespont) May 18, 2021

She said: “I’ve been learning Welsh since May, therefore 9 months of learning. I’m at the start of my journey to speak Welsh, but I can say that the Welsh language has definitely changed my life.

“I feel like I’ve had support from my tutors and people who speak Welsh fluently because they want to give encouragement, and I feel so grateful.

“This half term has been fantastically good but on the other hand quite difficult to be honest.

‘Walls’ 

She added: “I had to learn a new vocabulary and sometimes I’ve felt that I’ve hit a wall. Someone said that some walls are there for people who need to have a rest before they start once again with their journey and I feel like it’s true because after I had a little rest I’m ready to move forward once again, and I’m more confident and I can move forward.

“I have been speaking Welsh in the community and I’m so proud of myself. I’ve been writing on the Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram for my running club in Welsh and English and I’m proud of myself, and I’ve been speaking Welsh with my friends at the gym too.”

Welsh comedian Tudur Owen said: “9 months! This is so inspiring for anyone who wants to learn Welsh. 9 MIS!! Llongyfarchiadau mawr”.

Neil Pyper said: “Very well done! Your Welsh is fantastic. It’s hard to believe you’ve been learning for only 9 months!”

Richard Williams said: “Waw! Amazing. More people need to see this to be inspired.”

Dafydd Sills-Jones said: “Crikey! How did you do this? Amazing and fantastic!”

Gwyn Vaughan said: “Wonderful and very impressive! What a great use of this last year! Stiick at it and no walls will be lest in no time.”