Appy way for children to learn the Welsh language
IN LESS than three months, an app that was developed on Anglesey for all of Wales has proved a great success – including being acknowledged as App of the Week on the Government’s Cymraeg website.
The yellow dragon Selog, who promotes the app, encourages nonWelsh speaking families, as well as learners and first-language speakers, to enjoy Welsh songs and books.
The 14 songs on the singing app range from nursery rhymes, such as ‘Gee Ceffyl Bach’ and ‘Dau Gi Bach’, to sporting favourites, such as ‘Sosban Fach’ and the national anthem.
Complementing the singing app is a reading app, with ‘Alun yr Arth’ and ‘Rwdlan’ books; this has proved very popular with schools, who use it as a resource to support home reading and to raise confidence in children as they start to read independently in Welsh.
Head of Menter Iaith Môn, Helen Williams said, “The ‘ Canu Selog’ songs app was developed in response to a request from non-Welsh-speaking parents in Holyhead who were keen to develop their children’s bilin- gual skills at an early age by singing songs in Welsh.
“It’s great to see a resource that addresses a particular need and, since the Minister for the Welsh Language, Alun Davies AM, launched the app at the Eisteddfod in August, the app has already been downloaded over 5,000 times.
“Our aim, as a language venture, is to ensure that everyone has access and can enjoy Welsh, so there’s a written translation of the songs so that learners can appreciate the humour and quirkiness of our nursery rhymes.”
Agata, one of the Holyhead parents, added: “I really recommend this new app, it’s very useful for us, especially since my little girl really loves Welsh songs. Before I had to always look on YouTube, now I have everything in one place.”
The apps, “Hoff Ganeuon Selog” and “Hoff Lyfrau Selog, are free to download from the App Store or Play Store.