In our #BabyStepsIntoWelsh podcast series, likeable presenter Nia Parry has been talking with families about their anxieties, questions and experiences of Welsh-medium education. You can listen to and follow the series here: www.podfollow.com/babysteps
In episode 4, we heard from Aran Jones and Catrin Lliar, who come from the Pwllheli area.
“Raising my children bilingually is the biggest thing I’ve achieved with my life.” Aran Jones.
Aran was born in Epsom in England, but he has lived in Cwm Cynllwyd with his Nain and Taid, then in Felinheli, before moving to Guilford and on to Dusseldorf, the Algarve, Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur. He believes that learning the local lingo is important, and a chance to become part of the local culture; but he also explained that over the years he’d tried, and failed, to learn several languages.
So it’s amazing that Aran and his wife Catrin have helped over 60,000 to learn Welsh through their learning programme, Say Something in Welsh! The two discussed how the programme’s first lessons were released online as Catrin was preparing to give birth to their first child!
“Welsh-medium education and learning Welsh opens doors to new, amazing worlds. It’s like finding Narnia.” Aran Jones.
During his talk with Nia, Aran explained how learning a new language brings far more than new words. Learning Welsh opens doors to a new culture, for parents as well as children. Aran explained that when he was a non-Welsh speaker he wasn’t aware that the National Eisteddfod of Wales was being held in Aberystwyth, even though he was living there at the time! As a Welsh speaker, the Eisteddfod is now a highlight for him, and offers wonderful opportunities for every age range.
“Here in Gwynedd, the choice is between attending a Welsh school, or not going to school at all!” Catrin Lliar
Catrin explained that Welsh-medium education is totally normal in north Wales, where they are raising their children. There is no option to not attend a Welsh school, and the two agreed that this is a good pattern for the rest of the country, in order to normalise the language and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn Welsh.
Catrin also explained how learning a language is completely normal to children, and in that respect, the Cylch Meithrin has an important role to play; not only from a linguistic viewpoint, but also to help you meet families and a new network of friends to support you during your children’s education.
For me, the Cylch Meithrin was like an extension of our family. It’s a great place for local people and those who’ve moved into the area to become part of the community. It makes life far easier for the children as they go to school together.” Catrin Lliar.
You can listen to the full conversation here: www.podfollow.com/babysteps. Remember to share with other families who are trying to decide which path they want their children’s education to follow.