Heather Broster, Author at We Learn Welsh

About The Author

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.

Why This Canadian Decided to Start Learning Welsh

Note: This article was written a few years ago now, and while my circumstances have changed (i.e. the birth of my son), I believe the reasons for starting to learn Welsh remain just as relevant today. When I first became fascinated by language learning, I have to admit that Welsh wasn’t my first choice. As …

In every language, including Welsh, there are certain expressions that people tend to use over and over again when speaking. Below you can find ten expressions you’ll come across on a regular basis in colloquial Welsh. By mastering these expressions, not only will you be able to carry on a more natural conversation in Welsh …

Located at the historic heart of the market town of Machylleth lies a small cafe called Caffi Alys. It is well-known in the area as a haven for Welsh speakers and those learning the language.

Depending on where you live in Wales, there are different ways of saying “grandmother” in Welsh.

Important: This article was originally written in 2019, back when Say Something in Welsh was still running its annual learner bootcamps. Although these events are no longer held, I wanted to share this experience with you all in our newsletter, as it was a turning point in boosting my confidence in Welsh at the time. …

As you cross the border from England into Wales, you will be greeted by the expression “Welcome to Wales” or “Croeso i Gymru” on most signs.

Are you fed up with using the same old hackneyed expression Iawn, diolch! whenever someone asks how you are in Welsh? To be fair, it is by far the most common response to sut wyt ti, even when native Welsh speakers talk amongst themselves, but if, as a learner, you’d like to spice things up …

In standard Welsh, there are different ways of saying “home” depending on the context of the sentence. The first word cartref, or cartrefi in its plural form, is the generic noun for “home” and is often used in the sense of ‘a home’. Roedd tân mewn cartref yn Llanelli. There was a fire in a …

The Welsh word for “blue” is glas or las in its mutated form following feminine nouns.

yr aderyn glas (the blue bird)
y faner las (the blue flag)

Dark blue is glas tywyll or dulas, whereas light blue is glas golau or goleulas.

glas

blue

Have you ever been talking to someone about Welsh, only for them to joke all-knowingly about the total absence of vowels in the language? I know I have, on more than one occasion! It is, of course, a complete myth but it does raise the question: what perpetuated this tall tale in the first place? …

Why This Canadian Decided to Start Learning Welsh

10 Welsh Expressions to Instantly Make You Sound More Welsh

Where to Speak Welsh: Review of Caffi Alys in Machynlleth

The Welsh word for Grandmother – Nain or Mam-gu?

‘Say Something in Welsh’ Bootcamp in Tresaith – Diary of my experience

The Welsh Word for Welcome – Croeso!

10 Ways to Say “I’m fine, thanks!” in Welsh Besides “Iawn, diolch!”

The Welsh Word for Home – Cartref, Gartref or Adref?

The Welsh Word for Blue: Glas

Welsh has no vowels? – It’s time to bust the myth!