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.
Silver is one of the seven metals of antiquity and has long been regarded as one of the most precious metals in human civilisation. Besides currency and bullions, silver is used for many other purposes including jewellery, silverware, electrical contacts and medical supplies.
The standardised word for rainbow taught in classrooms is enfys (plural: enfysau or enfysoedd). If you use this word anywhere in Wales, you will be perfectly understood.
enfys
rainbow
The Welsh word for tree that appears in most dictionaries and textbooks is coeden. What many learners find confusing is that the singular of tree is longer than the plural, which is coed (trees)!
There are very few things in life the Welsh enjoy more than a good cup of tea. In fact, it is estimated that the entire British population drinks more than 60 billion cups of tea a year – that’s an astonishing 900 cups per person!
The English have come up with their fair share of nicknames for the humble toilet over the years, and so, too, have the Welsh!
The start of the New Year (blwyddyn newydd) is the most popular time to make a list of resolutions (addunedau). By taking into consideration what worked during the previous year, it becomes possible to set goals for the following year.
The name the Welsh give to Father Christmas (or Santa Claus) is Siôn Corn. The name Siôn is pronounced like the name Shaun with an elongated ‘aw‘ and corn (meaning horn or chimney pot) is pronounced much like the English word corn but with a rolled R.
Ah, Cardiff – the capital of Wales and its largest city. Located at the southern end of the country, it is the home of the National Assembly for Wales, most cultural institutions, the Welsh media and a fantastic castle. What’s not to love?
To those who do not live in the United Kingdom, and even to those who do, the Welsh national anthem may be relatively unknown. However, for the Welsh, it is a symbol of their independence and distinctiveness in terms of culture and language. Always sung in Welsh, the anthem is played at any sort of …
St. Dwynwen’s Day, which takes place on January 25th, is what is known as the Welsh Valentine’s Day, although it celebrates a very different saint!
