The roots of the Welsh language may be traced back to the Bronze Age, around 1400 years ago. Despite several attempts to eradicate the language, Welsh is nevertheless spoken by 800,000 people in Wales today.
Today, Wales is a bilingual nation. Almost all signage, including traffic signs, is written in both English and Welsh, and most schools and organizations in Wales encourage the use of the Welsh language.
Did you know?
Welsh is one of the most popular languages on language training ‘Duolingo’ in the United Kingdom, and it’s easy to see why.
Over six years ago, Welsh was launched on Duolingo and named the UK’s fastest-growing language, even coming ahead of French and Japanese, placed second and third, respectively.
The same name refers to some colours of blue and green in Welsh
Like several other languages, Welsh utilizes a different technique for naming colours than the 11-colour Western system and contains phrases that may be used to describe a wide range of hues and colors. The Welsh term ‘glass,’ which means ‘blue,’ is also used to describe things like grass, leaves, the sea, and shades of grey like silver.
K, Q, V, and Z are conspicuously absent from the Welsh alphabet
The Welsh alphabet does not contain the letters K, Q, V, X, or Z, however, they may be found in borrowed terms and technical slang. When present, these letters make their English sounds, except Z, which is more often pronounced /s/ in North Wales than not.
Welsh is spoken in Patagonia, South America
As a Welsh-speaking town in Argentina’s Patagonia region, ‘Y Wladfa’ stands apart from the others. In the early 19th century, 150 Welsh pioneers crossed the Atlantic Ocean to create a new life in South America where they continued to use their language and culture to this very day!
In Europe, the Welsh language is one of the oldest
When the Romans invaded Britain in 43AD, the primary language of Wales, England, and southern Scotland was Brythonic (which is basically old Welsh). In the era between 400 and 700 AD, as shown by early Welsh poetry, the language of Wales started to develop as a unique entity.
Wales is home to Europe’s longest place name
You may be surprised to learn that Wales has the European record for the longest place name. ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogoch’ is also the second-longest place name in the world, behind ‘Taumatawhakatangihangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu’ in New Zealand.
The name of this small Welsh town is commonly used to test people’s ability to speak or pronounce Welsh words; unexpectedly, most people fail! Do you think you could say this?
Takeaway
There are many myths and legends in Welsh culture. If you decide to take a tour of Wales you will have unlimited fun, from online sporting activities on sites like casino.netbet.co.uk or physically at the many sporting stadiums dotted around the country.
With a red dragon as the country’s national emblem Wales still retains a fierce independence, especially from its overpowering neighbour! Whilst Wales has absorbed many cultural traits from England, through time, it has still managed to retain its unique character and a host of regional customs and traditions.