When learning any new language, you will find that your tongue, teeth and mouth are expected to move in some very strange unfamiliar ways. Don’t panic! With practice, it really does become both very easy and comfortable. The Key word is “practise”. It is essential to find some time every day if possible to listen and repeat aloud these strange sounds.
DID YOU KNOW ………?
There are 28 letters in the Welsh alphabet. Here they are.
a b c ch d dd e f ff g ng h i l ll m n o p ph r rh s t th u w y.
PRONUNCIATION
In your work with North Wales Housing communication skills will be vitally important.
In North Wales the majority of place names that you will encounter will be in Welsh and an awareness of these will assist you greatly in your day to day duties. Even though you may not be fluent in Welsh you will be able to show linguistic courtesy if you make an effort to say place names correctly.
Try pronouncing these place names.
Note where the emphasis is each time.
[table class=”table”]
Amlwch, Dolgellau, Penmaenmawr
Abergele, Dinbych, Pwllheli
Bwcle, Llandudno, Porthmadog
Beddgelert, Llangollen, Penygroes
Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llangefni, Porthaethwy
Bangor, Llanfairfechan, Rhuthun
Betws – y – Coed, Llanelwy, Treffynnon
Bae Colwyn, Llanrwst, Y Bermo
Caernarfon, Llanberis, Yr Wyddgrug
Caergybi
Corwen
[/table]
The capital city of Wales is Caerdydd.
Very good! Da iawn! Da iawn!
Even street names can appear rather challenging at first glance!
Let us consider a few of them.
[table class=”table”]
Road, Ffordd / Heol
Street, Stryd
Field, Cae / Maes
Lane, Lôn
Acre, Erw
[/table]
Let us look at the four countries which form the British Isles.
[table class=”table”]
Wales, Cymru
Ireland, Iwerddon
England, Lloegr
Scotland, Yr Alban
[/table]
