Welsh to be introduced to speakers whose first language is not English
The National Centre for Learning Welsh has today launched a package of resources which introduces the Welsh language and Wales to people whose first language is not English or who do not speak much English.
Various learning resources will be available in the free ‘Croeso i Bawb’ (All are welcome) package, through the medium of different languages.
The resources include a self-study digital module that introduces learners to Wales – famous people and places, the history of the language, the arts, legends and sport. It will be available in Ukrainian, Cantonese, Syrian Arabic, Farsi and Pashto.
One of the Centre’s partners, SaySomethinginWelsh, will also be offering online Learn Welsh courses through the medium of Syrian Arabic, Pashto, and Dari.
A Learn Welsh taster course, which doesn’t use any English, is already available in a tutor-led format and is used by the Red Cross and Adult Learning Wales. As part of the new package of resources, the course will also be offered as a self-study online programme.
Learning
The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “Wales is proud to welcome people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds and I’m delighted that everyone we welcome to Wales will have a chance to learn Welsh – our language.
“I wish all the best to everyone who uses these resources to learn Welsh. The language, after all, belongs to everyone in Wales.”
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh said: “Our aim at the Centre is to create new opportunities for adults to learn and enjoy Welsh, and these resources will facilitate the learning for those whose first language is not English or who do not speak much English. We look forward to welcoming even more people to start learning Welsh with us, and to get to know more about Wales.”
Helen Prosser, Director of Teaching and Learning at the National Centre for Learning Welsh added: “We have worked closely with different partners and translators to create these resources, and the Centre is grateful to all for their enthusiasm and commitment. Our goal now is to spread the message far and wide, so that people know these resources are available.”
– The languages for these resources were chosen in order to reflect the main groups of refugee and asylum seekers to Wales, namely Hong Kong and Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Iran.
– Pashto and Dari are the official languages of Afghanistan. Dari is also spoken in Iran and Tajikistan. Dari, Farsi (spoken in Iran) and Tajik are dialects of the same language, Persian. Pashto is also spoken in Pakistan and parts of northern Iran.
– Syrian Arabic refers to one of the three main dialects, Levantine Arabic, which is spoken in Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon. This dialect will be used and easily understood in everyday life and conversation.
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Bendigedig! Dysgu ein iaith pawb!
Newyddion gwych. Mi wn i yn bersonol am Wcrainiaid a Syriaid sydd wedi dysgu Cymraeg.
Newyddion wych. Mae ‘na groeso i bawb yn Gymru!
It’s a sad state in Wales when the country has to rely on foreigners to learn the language because the lazy natives can’t be bothered. Better not sing part of the anthem that says Mae heniaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed. Not for much longer when you look at the census results.
O Bydded i’r Heniaith Barhau.
Its a sad in Wales where the country has to witness bigoted rantings from anonymous online trolls. Guess one consolation is these people are abject cowards and would never have the bottle to post their bigoted drivel under their real names 😉
Hi,
Where can I get the resources in Ukrainian?