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Teacher who learned amazing Welsh in 10 months reveals grandad was banned from speaking it

19 Jul 2021 2 minute read
Welsh learner Angharad Jones. From Twitter

A teacher who has learned amazing Welsh skills in just 10 months has revealed her granddad was banned from speaking the language at school.

Angharad Jones, who teaches at Pontllanfraith Primary, in Blackwood, made the revelation in an emotional video about her progress with the language, which she shared on social media.

In her message she thanked people for their support and told them she was not going to “lose my Welsh” like here grandfather.

She has been taking the Cymraeg Mewn Blwyddyn (Welsh in a Year) course through the Sabbatical Scheme, which is available through the University of Wales.

Angharad has received a stream of praised for her progress in learning the language, including from comedian Tudur Owen.

‘I didn’t know’ 

In her message she said: “My grandad was a Welsh speaker and I didn’t know. He moved to the south from the north, and the teacher said ‘you have to speak English, not Welsh, in our school’.

“Therefore, he lost his Welsh. I am not going to lose my Welsh now. I intend to use it until I’m fluent. I promise.”

She also said: “Welsh has changed my life. I didn’t receive any Welsh lessons at all when I was at school. I am so grateful that I can speak like this.

“I am thankful for my friends. They are everything to me. They’re very supportive, and my friends from the course will be friends forever.

“I am especially thankful to my tutors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart because we speak Welsh because of you. You have certainly been inspirational to me.

“I have been on the radio, on the TV and I have been filming with the Hansh crew.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart o everyone for their support. I can say that Welsh has changed my life, and I feel very emotional.


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Elfed jones
Elfed jones
2 years ago

My mother suffered from the Welsh Not. As a result although we spoke Welsh at home she was uncomfortable to read any Welsh literature.I am grateful to people like you for learning Welsh.. I am 78 she would be amazed to see Welsh learners today and it’s use. If you are an English speaker I would encourage you to learn Welsh for the sake of those who were oppressed in the past.

Vaughan
Vaughan
2 years ago

Llongyfarchiadau!

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
2 years ago

Her family’s experience, and her motivation for learning the language, mirror those of adults across Cymru. Da iawn hi.

Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago

Mmmm….. English rammed down our throats….the exact opposite of what the unionists would have us believe.

Richard Y Cymro
Richard Y Cymro
2 years ago

Da iawn Angharad Jones. Sadly, the ones who caused her grandfather to lose his language are still alive today. And when I say alive it’s not in a literal sense but their attitude still persists. Take that Tory fascist Jacob Rees-Mogg. He recently referred to both Cymraeg & Gaelic as foreign languages during one vaccous debate at Westminster. The hatred and ignorance lingers on like a dirty stain that can never be scrubbed away. That’s why I encourage all to at least be positive and proactive towards Welsh and want future generations to be if not fluent in but have… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Richard Y Cymro

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