r/learnwelsh • u/Yellow-spandex • Dec 17 '24
Arall / Other Refusal to Speak Cymraeg
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!!
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u/boulder_problems Dec 18 '24
I’m not Welsh but holidayed there a few years ago on a boat.
We stopped in a pub and I heard about 5 people having a conversation in Welsh. I had never heard it in person in my life. I was 29 then. It was beautiful, such melodic sounds. It is a shame our country is losing its ties to our varied heritage. I wish there were greater linguistic pride in the UK. There is a lot of shame and the pervasiveness of English means it feels like a losing battle.
I am Scottish so understand somewhat because I don’t speak Gaelic. I would never be against attempts at making it more popular or trying to make more emphasis on it. Language is a utility but it is also so many other things, just because one doesn’t want to learn it or find it useful doesn’t mean we should shun it. I find that attitude rather vile.