Rebecca crowned Welsh learner of year at Eisteddfod
REBECCA JONES from Cwmdare in Aberdare has been named the Urdd Eisteddfod’s Welsh learner of the year.
The 22-year-old was awarded the Learner’s Medal on the festival Maes in Pencoed last Tuesday.
Entrants were required to show their communication skills through the medium of Welsh by speaking in public.
Finalists were invited to the Urdd Camp at Llangrannog to showcase their talents earlier this year. Rebecca, who studied at Swansea University, was inspired by her lecturer (and former archdruid) Christine James to learn the language.
She said: “In July last year, I threw my hat in the air to celebrate gaining a first class degree in Welsh.
I really have to thank the Welsh Department at the university, without them and their support I would never have competed.”
The student decided to learn Welsh after hearing people chatting at events like the Royal Welsh.
“But I couldn’t understand a word,” she said.
“I believe that the Welsh language is an important part of our identity as Welsh people, and the language will open doors for me as I search for jobs in the future.”
Even though Rebecca’s grandmother speaks Welsh, her mother and father did not take up the language.
But since she started learning, her sister has also started attending Welsh for adults’ classes.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to develop my sister’s confidence as I know how to overcome the challenges that come with learning a language.
“Learning Welsh has had a positive effect on my life.
“I use it every day as part of my job, but for me it is not a 9-5 language.
“Many of my friends are Welsh speakers, which means that I have opportunities to socialise through the medium of Welsh too.
“Although English is the language of our home, I try to make the most of every opportunity I get to practice and keep the language skills going.
“Without a doubt, I will carry on speaking Welsh and I am in contact with Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf where I worked before Christmas.
“Although I have now left, I look forward to volunteering with them to try and make a difference in the area where I live.”