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.
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!
One of the best places you can practise your Welsh and increase your confidence is at your local café, especially if customers are encouraged to order in Welsh. In this article, we’ve included the most common Welsh phrases you will hear when ordering, paying and receiving your food at the table. Ordering at the counter …
Although almost everyone in Wales is fluent in English, the Welsh language has a steadfast place in the country’s culture and history. In fact, according to a recent survey, approximately 30% of the population of Wales can speak Welsh, thanks in part to the increase in Welsh-medium education. I can tell you first-hand that whenever …
Writing a sympathy message to a family member or friend can be an enormous challenge. In fact, you may feel as if no words could possibly comfort them at their time of need. While it is true that you cannot take their pain away, it is often better to express your feelings and show your …
Things are certainly starting to feel Christmassy here in Tywyn. The festive street lights have been lit, the high street shops are decorated to the nines with colourful lights and decorations, and our local Father Christmas has paid a visit to most of the villages in the area on his sleigh. Unusually for this time of year, the temperature has fallen below zero, giving the rolling hills of the Dysynni valley a frosty silver sheen in the early hours of the morning. It certainly is a magical time of year! 🙂
One of the first survival phrases you will have to learn if you move to Wales is “Thank you very much!” This phrase translates as “Diolch yn fawr iawn!“ Dyma chi, pymtheg punt. – O, diolch yn fawr iawn. Here you are, fifteen pounds. – Oh, thank you very much. Let’s break it down into …
If there is one thing all children look forward to at Christmas, it is receiving gifts under the tree from Father Christmas!
anrheg
present / gift
