PGCEBLOGS Natasha: Bilingual Learning

Most people in Wales speak English, and 19% of Welsh people are fluent in Welsh, (Wales, Cymru, 2014).
The Welsh Language Act 1993, Government of Wales Act 1998, and The National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Act 2012 ensure that the Welsh and English languages are treated equally.
They also give freedom to speak Welsh in Wales and they have given the Welsh language an official status. The Welsh Language commissioner has the power to fine up to £5000 if the standards of the above acts are broken.

It is important to be able to integrate the Welsh language into as many things as possible within the teaching role. This can be done in many different ways that will not take up too much time from the tutor or the translator. The people who are able to speak Welsh within Pembrokeshire College wear a pin (right) that shows people that they can speak Welsh.

Simple things such as putting a heading of a PowerPoint in both Welsh and English, and just saying a Welsh greeting at the start of the session, are both simple ways to integrate the Welsh language into the sessions.
It is also important to include different Welsh culture within the classroom. This can be done simply by using a local Welsh place name or a Welsh name in an example.

Pembrokeshire College and other colleges in Wales offer opportunities for the students to complete their assessments in Welsh, whether that is just one question. Also, the tutorials and feedback can also be completed in Welsh if chosen. Workbooks and PowerPoint’s provide other opportunities, as they can be created bilingually.

When teaching I will be using as many Welsh terms where possible. As I am not a Welsh speaker I personally cannot assess people in Welsh but colleagues in my department can, along with a department of Welsh translators, therefore I can ask for their aid. Saying this, I will be able to put simple feedback on work in Welsh, such as ‘Very good / da iawn’, and also words such as ‘amcanion / objectives’ in my PowerPoint’s.

Some other terms and words that will be useful within my teaching are:
- Great - Bendigedig
- Thanks - Diolch
- Please - Os Gwelwch un dda
- Good - Da
- Welcome - Croeso
- Good morning - Bore da
- Good afternoon - Prynhawn da
- Good evening - Noswaith da
- How are you? - Sut mae?