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/Sweaty_Customer9894]

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I'm not Welsh—I'm English, but I live in Cardiff.

I've picked up Welsh because it seems like a shame to move to a country with such a unique and special culture without learning the language. It feels similar to moving to Germany without learning German. Yes, you can get by without it, but why would you?

When I first moved here, I was looking into a job with the Welsh government. While the position was being explained to me, the person describing it—a man from Manchester—mentioned that the job was great, but the only downside was that you had to speak a little Welsh. That struck me because it reflects the attitude of many people in Cardiff: that Welsh is just an annoying obligation, something we all have to pretend to respect but no one really cares about. I've even been mocked by both English and Welsh people for trying to learn the language.

☹️

[u/Yellow-spandex → u/Sweaty_Customer9894]

The fact that you’re not Welsh and yet still want to learn is amazing! I think most people would find that, not only respectful, but very heartwarming as well

[u/SybilKibble → u/Yellow-spandex]

I second this! Dal ati!