Welsh language courses

Weekly Welsh language courses at Glyndŵr University

It is possible to learn Welsh at Glyndŵr University either while studying as a student or by attending as a day student. Our courses range from complete beginners to Advanced. On completion, you could gain 20 HE credits and a HE certificate. We currently offer six levels of study which provide the learner with a clear progression route.

What level am I?

What will I learn?

You will learn contemporary Welsh in order to be able to communicate with fluent Welsh speakers and understand written and oral Welsh appropriate to the level on which you are enrolled. The emphasis on Welsh courses today is on speaking the language rather than writing and there will be ample opportunity in lessons to speak to your fellow-students and practise the Welsh you have learnt.

The two modules Welsh Language Skills 1 and Welsh Language Skills 2 are aimed at fluent/almost fluent Welsh speakers who wish to improve their written Welsh skills. Both modules are conducted in the medium of Welsh.

I can't attend during the day

Our language courses are also available during the evening and we should be able to accommodate you.

Why should I learn Welsh?

Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt.
The limits of my language are the limits of my universe.
(Ludwig Wittgenstein)

• Learning Welsh can help you get a job. An increasing number of employers, particularly in the public sector, are looking for staff who understand and are able to communicate in Welsh
• If your children or grandchildren are learning Welsh, you will be able to help them
• It can open the window on a new world and add a new dimension to your life, particularly if you live in an area of Wales where Welsh is a community language.
• It can help you understand Welsh culture and way of life
• It is a social activity - you will meet new friends
• It is fun
• It can help you get in touch with your roots. If your family spoke Welsh in the past it could be useful if you are researching your family tree and some of the documents are written in Welsh
• Maybe you are interested in the literature, films, tv programmes, music or some other aspect of the culture of Wales .

Learning Welsh can help you gain a better understanding of Welsh culture

• It is good to challenge yourself now and again and learn a new skill, keeping your mind active is always beneficial

Levels

Beginners

This course is for people who have not learnt Welsh previously or who have a little prior knowledge of Welsh. By the end of the course, the conscientious student will be able to:

Lower Intermediate

This course is for people who are already proficient in the language patterns listed under Beginners above. By the end of the course, the conscientious student will be able to:

Intermediate

This course is for people who are already proficient in the language patterns listed under Lower Intermediate above. By the end of the course, the conscientious student will be able to:

Upper Intermediate

This course is for people who are already proficient in the language patterns listed under Lower Intermediate above. By the end of the course, the conscientious student will be able to:

Welsh Language Skills 1

This course is for people who are already proficient in Welsh and who wish to improve their written Welsh. Topics to be covered include:

(1)  Identifying and using correct prepositions

(2)  Using appropriate concise verb-forms

(3)  Appling mutation rules in written and oral contexts

(4)  Appling the genitive rule

(5)  Demonstrating and applying knowledge of the rules for determining gender

(6)  Using the noun-clause correctly

Welsh Language Skills 2

This course is for people who are already proficient in Welsh and who wish to improve their written Welsh. The course develops the work done in Welsh Language Skills 1 although it is not necessary to have completed Welsh Language Skills 1 in order to do this module. Topics to be covered include:

(1)  Identifying and using compound prepositions meaningfully and appropriately

(2)  Demonstrating familiarity with common written mistake and correcting them

(3)  Distinguishing, describing and interpreting variation in the meanings and forms of spoken and written language according to context

(4)  Demonstrating and applying knowledge of the form, attributes and structure of standard written Welsh

(5)  Using the predicative marker ‘yn’ correctly in a sentence and identifying incorrect use

(6)  Demonstrating and applying the correct use of the relative pronoun

Short Welsh courses

Glyndŵr University also offers week-long courses outside term time to the general public.

Where will the course be held?

At Glyndŵr University

What does the course entail?

This Welsh language course offers intensive tuition in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to suit 2 levels of ability, complete [or rusty] beginners and intermediate. The main aim of the course is to assist learners of various standards of ability to attain greater fluency and confidence in speaking the Welsh language. For those already learning Welsh, the course will give you the opportunity to practise your communicative skills in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

Who will be doing the teaching?

You will be taught by tutors who specialise in teaching Welsh as a second language.

Can I gain a qualification?

On successful completion of the course, you will gain a HE certificate and 20 Higher Education credits.

This course is free for Glyndŵr University staff and students

Indicative timetable

10.00 am   -   Dosbarth (Class)

11.00 am    -   Coffi (Coffee)

11.15 am    -   Dosbarth

12.15 pm   -   Cinio (Lunch)

1.00 pm     -   Dosbarth

2.30 pm     -   Coffi

2.45 pm     -   Dosbarth

4.00 pm     -   Ffarwelio (Depart)

KNOWLEDGE OF WELSH

If you are not sure which group you should join, you are advised to telephone (01978) 293212 to speak to Julie Brake, j.brake@glyndwr.ac.uk who will be able to advise you.

Group 1 Complete/Rusty beginners       

In this group you will learn how to greet someone, exchange basic personal details, talk about the weather, talk about events which are happening now, say you are going somewhere and express possession.

Group 2 Post beginners

The emphasis in this class is on using your Welsh through role play, communicative activities and class discussions; although appropriate attention will be given to learning new speech patterns

How do I register interest in the course?

Contact the School of Humanities 01978 293169 or j.brake@glyndwr.ac.uk

Welsh in the Workplace

We can offer courses which are tailor-made for your workplace, including:

• Welsh for Administrative Purposes
• Answering the phone
• Dealing with correspondence
• General language courses.

We can cater for different levels, including fluent Welsh speakers who wish to improve their Welsh.  Please contact Julie Brake 01978 293212 for further details.

j.brake@glyndwr.ac.uk

Welsh courses for Glyndŵr University students

It is possible to learn Welsh whilst in studying at Glyndŵr University. If you are studying Education or health-related subjects, subject-specific courses are available. For further details contact j.brake@glyndwr.ac.uk 01978 293212.

Welsh language support for Glyndŵr University students

Glyndŵr University students studying through the medium of Welsh of writing essays, delivering presentation etc in Welsh can access extra support with any aspect of Welsh medium education at Glyndŵr University.

For details contact j.brake@glyndwr.ac.uk , School of Humanities, 01978 293212.