Language learning check-in #3

[smmg]

i think i'm going to finally bite the bullet and actually do things for my welsh skills to push me out of my intermediate plateau and into C1. my listening skills and vocabulary are definitely what need the most work. i can hold a conversation quite easily, but when it comes to watching things or reading more complicated stuff then i struggle a bit.

i need to find more welsh music to listen to, which might be a pain because i'm not a massive fan of a lot of welsh bands i've listened to - most welsh music seems to be pop which isn't my favourite genre, but i guess i'll see what else i can find. i am a fan of welsh male-voice choirs, so maybe some traditional music would suit me better.

i'm also going to try and watch at least one short video in welsh per day. i'm always being recommended welsh stuff on youtube, but i unfortunately mostly end up watching english-language content instead.

i should pick up a good amount of vocabulary from doing both of those, i hope.

at some point i also need to try to tackle reading academic articles in welsh, because that's basically essential in my field of study, and also i'll probably have to write academic essays in welsh at some point. maybe i'll look through my folders and on JSTOR to see if i can find anything that seems interesting and fairly short to start with.

Comments

[heleninwales]

I haven't found much on YouTube in Welsh, to be honest, though I've made a few myself and added both English and Welsh subtitles. Subtitles are optional, so you can watch without or with whichever is most helpful.

I don't get on well with Radio Cymru because there's usually too much music and not enough conversation. I can suggest some programmes if that's of interest. Can you access the BBC's iPlayer? I prefer the documentaries to drama. The presenters speak more clearly for one thing. Too much mumbling in the dark in many dramas in either English or Welsh! Again I can offer suggestions if that's something you would find helpful.

[smmg]

i do have an iplayer account!! recommendations would be great for any of those, thank you!

[heleninwales]

I like Cynefin which explores different places in Wales and Am Dro is fun. A group of four people take turns to lead a walk of their choice and provide a picnic for the other participants. They chat as they walk and give points so there is a winner at the end.

There's also a series called Cartrefi Cymru which looks at old houses. I've watched a few episodes of Cyfrinachau'r Llyfrgell and found that interesting. Right now I'm watching a children's programme called Amser Maith yn ôl in an attempt to learn a bit of medieval Welsh history.

Here's the link to all the programmes currently available: S4C A to Z

[smmg]

diolch yn fawr!!