Heather is passionate about everything language-related. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, she holds a TEFL certification from Aberystwyth University and a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the University of Western Ontario. Along with her native English, she speaks Italian, Welsh, and a smattering of Japanese and French.
Some words seem simple at first glance, yet conceal a remarkable depth of meaning within their origins. The Welsh phrase ar ôl is a perfect example – rich with layers that might bamboozle even the most experienced of Welsh learners! ar ôl after / left But first, a little about the etymology. Ar ôl comprises …
For a long time, I wasn’t certain that having children – or plant in Welsh – was the right path for me. Even into my mid-30s, the idea felt overwhelming, especially since I still felt, in many ways, like a child myself! But my son has brought such immense joy and meaning into my life …
Have you ever heard the Welsh folk song Cyfri’r Geifr, also known as Oes Gafr Eto?One of the first words I picked up at the beginning of my Welsh learning journey was from this song – cynffon – which means tail or appendage. The plural is the very regular cynffonnau. cynffon tail / appendage cynffonnau …
Washed-up jellyfish on the beach are a very common sight in Wales, especially during the summer months. Despite their fearsome reputation, most species are actually quite harmless, inflicting just a mild sting. That said, there are a vicious few such as the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish that can do plenty of damage, even posthumously, so unless …
Like many children his age, my young son is terrified of y tywyllwch (the dark), and more specifically, of the creatures that might be lurking there. He doesn’t believe there is an anghenfil under his bed, funnily enough, but he doesn’t dare venture into the upstairs bathroom on his own! As you’ve probably guessed by …
Calon Lân, which literally translated into English means Pure Heart, is one of Wales’ best-loved hymns and has become an iconic symbol of Welsh culture and identity. Its words were written in the 1890s by the Welsh poet and hymn writer Daniel James, better known as Gwyrosydd, and were set to music by composer John …
Yes, yes, I know – the pedantic amongst you will be quick to point out that ych-a-fi isn’t a single word but three words combined to form an interjection. It can be translated in any number of ways including yucky, disgusting, horrible – just take your pick! All we really need to know is that …
The Welsh word for congratulations is … a long one! I remember it took me ages to learn how to pronounce this word without getting my tongue tied, so don’t worry if it takes you a while for you to master it as well. llongyfarchiadau congratulations The singular form llongyfarchiad means congratulation, but you won’t …
Recently my son has become obsessed with the iconic film Muppet Treasure Island, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Amser yn hedfan wir! (How time flies!) If you haven’t seen it, it is definitely worth watching for Tim Curry’s performance alone. The Welsh for pirate is môr-leidr, which is the combination of môr …
The past two months, I’ve been suffering with what seems like a never-ending peswch, the Welsh word for cough. I’ve been given a cwrs o wrthfiotigau (course of antibiotics), so now it’s just a matter of waiting for them to kick in! peswch cough The plural of this masculine noun is pesychiadau. Notice how the …
