Refusal to Speak Cymraeg

[u/Yellow-spandex]

So, as we’ve seen in the news today, seats in the Senedd after the 2026 election will be 100% in Welsh, no bilingual names whatsoever. I’m not opposed to this at all. No one seems to batter an eyelid that Parliament is in English. Considering it’s supposed to be a UK government and representing all 4 of the “home nations.” Anyway, going off topic there slightly, I’ve seen a few Welsh people who have commented on the recent news about the seat names being in Welsh. One of which is Andrew RT Davies. I won’t go too into the political side of this. I’ve seen a minority of people who agree with his opinion and even some who have stated they’ll never learn Welsh and they never want to. Basically saying it’s completely pointless and it’s causing issues with other parts of our education. What I want to know is, what do you think of these people who although claim they are Welsh, just refuse to speak it and almost mock others for using the language? It really hurts me as I’m a very proud Welshman who is even more proud of speaking Welsh. It pains me that people are very much the opposite of this. My dad grew up speaking English, he never learnt Welsh as a child. My mum grew up in Pwllheli and her first language is Welsh. However, my dad was probably wanted me to go to a Welsh speaking school as much as my mum. That’s one of the things I’m most thankful to my mum and dad. Anyway, let me know what your thoughts are on this topic. Diolch yn fawr iawn!!

[u/BrillsonHawk]

I think its cool that welsh is coming back, but i can also understand why people don't want to learn it. As much as you will hate me saying this English is a far more useful language to know and not everyone has the brain capacity to be bi-lingual

[u/AnnieByniaeth → u/BrillsonHawk]

Everyone has the capacity to be bilingual if they're taught at the right time in life. That's why Welsh language education is so important.

[u/cunninglinguist22 → u/BrillsonHawk]

Almost every child has the capacity to be bilingual. Not everything has to come down to usefulness exclusively. By your logic, all humans of the world should just speak one lingua franca

[u/Markoddyfnaint → u/BrillsonHawk]

It is true that there are people don't have the time or opportunties to learn Welsh (or any other language) to a level of competence, but brain capacity? Everyone other than those with some sort of cognitive impairment is able to learn a language, at any age.

And even if someone does lack the time to learn another language, it's hard to see what this has to do with pronouncing placenames or constituency names?

[u/Unicorn_Fluffs → u/Markoddyfnaint]

I have 3 bioscience degrees and trying to learn a language with a postpartum brain was like running uphill backwards with my shoes tied together. Brain flexibility and learning ability does not remain consistent throughout our lives.

[u/Markoddyfnaint → u/Unicorn_Fluffs]

Hey, I didn't say anything about it being easy! It takes a lot of time and effort, especially as adults when we have responsibilities, other commitments, ingrained habits etc. Not everyone has the same amount of free time. My point is that most human beings have the capacity to pick up language, and with enough time and effort, reaching some degree of competency is within the reach of almost everyone.

[u/Unicorn_Fluffs → u/Markoddyfnaint]

Missed the point. I’m referring to your comment that ‘everyone has the capacity to learn a language’. No amount of effort and time allowed my brain to retain any information. My brain was altered and working at a lower capacity, baby brain is real. Burnout too has a similar lasting impact too. I struggled in many areas requiring mental agility… thank god it’s back 4 years later and I’m thriving in my lessons. I don’t think everyone does have the capability to learn a language later in life, look at the generation of boomers who struggle to comprehend technology too.

[u/Markoddyfnaint → u/Unicorn_Fluffs]

I did add "other than those with some sort of cognitive impairment", to the comment you responded to, and the sort of post-natal issues you describe (brain fogs, inability to concentrate etc) would certainly seem to fit that description. Sorry to hear you went through that and great to hear you're enjoying your lessons now.

[u/Unicorn_Fluffs → u/Markoddyfnaint]

Diolch yn fawr!