Reviews

This small, handy paperback book is a personal journal of how the author set out to learn Welsh in a year. Having moved to Wales with her family at the age of 48, she made some effort to learn the language, and in July 2002, she embarked on a 2 week course at Nant Gwrtheyrn. What finally spurred her on was a challenge from a Welsh speaking friend, in August 2002, that she should learn Welsh by September 2003, to the point where they could have a meal together speaking only in Welsh. That she achieved this goal in ten and a half months is a tribute to her determination, her deep interest in the language, the people and the culture of Wales, and her inherent resolve not to be beaten. The book opens with some thoughts on how teachers teach and how we all learn, with a tabulated guide to the different ways of learning. It goes on to introduce a group of six learners from different backgrounds and the tutor, Howard Edwards. It continues as a personal journal, month by month, with each month set out in a similar way. First, the author writes a light-hearted account of her learning experience during the month, followed by a Tip of the month, sometimes Challenge of the month and Web site of the month, Book of the month or Television programme of the month. Each month there is a Welsh Workshop, written as English and Welsh dialogue between Howard and the learners, including an exercise in grammar, and then there is a test for the reader. At Coffee time Howard discusses, in English, relevant language topics with the learners and the section ends with a photograph and biography of the Learner of the Month and a Glossary of words used earlier. As one persons experience of succeeding in learning Welsh in a year, this book is a helpful way of encouraging new learners to become interested in Welsh and to persevere when things get tough. As all learners know, there is no substitute for good personal tutors and good local classes and it is as an adjunct to those that this book will be most useful. Beryl Thomas It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council