Going to Wales after learning Welsh for 2 years

Or, the long answer to why I am learning Welsh.

☕ Support the channel and my journey! 💝

00:00 Siaradwr newydd (new speaker)
01:01 Beginnings
02:21 Fun with place names
05:01 Controversial language
06:31 How to find Welsh speakers
08:50 Where to find Welsh speakers
09:51 Final attempt to speak Welsh
11:15 Are there people who only speak Welsh?
13:18 Language learning as activism
13:55 The most famous Welsh word

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#polyglot #hongkonger #languagelearning #hongkong #languagelearning #languages #香港 #香港人 #chinese #culture #uklife #uk #unitedkingdom #wales #cymru #welsh #cymraeg #dysgucymraeg #learnwelsh

[RhapsodyinLingo]

Want to talk about the video? Watch the Q&A livestream!

[iammichaeldavis]

“Hi I speak Welsch, I was born in Hong Kong, my name is Israel and I live in Manchester” bro is the most cosmopolitan fellow I have ever heard of 🎩

[CDawgVA]

I'm a native welsh speaker from north wales, loved this video. You did such an amazing job of showing off the welsh language and rich history of north wales.

Mae cymreag ti yn arferchog!

[pulgasari]

The thing is actually a tonic. I find that "locals shocked" video trend so grating. This was lovely to watch.

[LuvMusic]

As a South Walian who went through school wondering what the point of learning the language was because nobody speaks it anyway, as an adult I now understand why it's important and am disappointed with myself for letting the opportunity pass me by. Not only do I meet people on a weekly basis who speak Welsh as a first language, but there are many job opportunities that not knowing Welsh puts you at a disadvantage, if not completely out of the running.
Seeing you speak it so fluently has definitely sparked a desire to have a sit down and do some learning.

[declanmcclelland]

I’m a fluent Welsh speaker from North Wales. This video is brilliant, and your pronunciation of Welsh words is really impressive. Most learners struggle to sound that close to Native speakers in my experience, but you have clearly nailed it. I’m interested to watch some videos about your language learning methodology now ! Your Welsh skills (including understanding what the people in the restaurant were saying and communicating with them) are superb. 加油 😊

[anthonyparker]

I came on here with the intention of tearing you a new one based upon your thumbnail, but fair play, you've highlighted the plight of our language - one of the oldest in Europe. It's survived despite every attempt to extinguish it and the fact that you've taken the time to learn it earns my respect. Fy mharch llawn i chi syr a diolch i chi am gymryd y drafferth.

[findingoutphase]

Rydyn ni’n wlad fach ond falch, a bron iawn i ni golli ein hiaith frodorol. Rwy’n gwerthfawrogi’n fawr dy ddysgu’r Gymraeg, ac rwy’n diolch yn ddiffuant i ti am y parch rwyt ti’n ei ddangos i’n pobl a’n gwlad. Rwyt ti bellach yn Fab Cymru. Diolch, frawd! 

(I had to slug it out with autocorrect.) 

Trans: We're a small but proud country who very nearly lost our native language. I very much appreciate you learning Welsh, and I thank you sincerely for the respect you show our people and country. You're now a Son of Wales. Thank you, brother!

[Keter]

I like how you film your interactions with native speakers in a discrete and respectful way, much less obnoxious than some other YouTubers and feels more authentic. Nice video

[SamuraiPipotchi]

I'm so glad YouTube recommended this to me. People never seem to take Wales seriously, so someone taking it seriously enough to learn and practice Welsh is a genuine delight.

Also, love how quickly your parents seemed to pick up the pronunciations when you taught them.

[william_marshal]

As a Welshman, who has twice lived in Hong Kong, I find it interesting that a Hong Konger comes to my home country and learns Welsh. All I can say is well done and have fun with the tongue twisters and have fun visiting I come from Pembroke, in South Wales which was the birthplace of the Tudor Dynasty. Unfortunately Welsh in not widely spoken where I come from.

[PatrickSamphire]

You definitely got the Welsh weather experience, even if not everyone would talk to you in Welsh.

[julianvargo]

I'm a Linguistics PhD student. Much of my work is related to language revitalization. This is a wonderful video, and you beautifully highlight the importance of protecting local languages. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[dansksjow]

The “it doesn’t feel real until you see the signs and hear people speaking it around you” is so relatable. It just feels SO cool and different once you are in the actual environment

[Beatmyguest]

I LOVE this. I strongly believe you don’t have to have ANY familial history with a place to be interested in its culture, language or heritage. We can just love things because we love them, see them as important & worthy of learning about!

Instant follow from me. Thank you so much for celebrating the language and also sharing history on language eradication.

[Fredreegz]

5:04 comparing the treatment of Welsh and Cantonese is such a fantastic observation.

[thacatrerlovah]

As a Welsh teacher of 36 years and currently teaching pupils from Hong Kong and China, as well as other countries, I love his guy and his attitude. I'd be interested in talking to him in person and using him as part of my lesson, to explain to pupils what motivates him and what tips he has. Amazing, Well done and you are worth far more than some people born in our country but with a completely negative attitude towards the language.

[omgmaddietv]

Great video! I'm from Cornwall we have the related language Cornish which unfortunately went extinct. There is now a revival movement which makes me want to explore the language more. Your dedication is inspiring!

[MonsiuerWeasel]

As an Englishman, I think it's great to see so much pride behind the Welsh language. It's a beautiful language and country and should be used more heavily!

[shiyang]

12:40 Thumb up for bravely speaking out about the danger of the death of a language by a "dominating neighbour"! Bravo mate!