Cymraeg. It belongs to us all.
Welsh Government
Welsh Government has an ambition for a million people to be able to enjoy speaking and using Welsh by 2050. So, there’s no better time to start learning. Find out more about the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050.
Where to learn Welsh
Whether you are just starting or want to improve your Welsh, there are lots of options. You could:
- Find Learn Welsh courses near you. You could learn from home with online learning options. Look at the Learn Welsh website for more information
- Try Say Something in Welsh
- Use the Duolingo website or app
- Search for different Welsh courses available on Course Search, for example search ‘Classroom Welsh Level 1’ or ‘Welsh for the Family’, ‘Welsh: Sylfaen/Foundation’, ‘Welsh: Mynediad / Entry Level’. A lot of universities offer Welsh for adults courses too
- Enrol free of charge from September 2022 on Welsh courses with The National Centre for Learning Welsh. You need to be aged 18 to 25 or teaching staff. Look at the Learn Welsh website for information
- Find your local Menter Iaith on The Mentrau Iaith Strengthening the Welsh Language in the Community. Menter Iaith help people to enjoy using Welsh in their communities
- Visit the National Eisteddfod and the Learn Welsh Village
- Look at the Welsh language courses in Nant Gwrtheyrn
Some of the benefits of learning Welsh
Many places in Wales have a strong Welsh speaking tradition. Learning and speaking Welsh can help you explore and engage with your local community. You can enjoy Welsh language TV, radio, sport, music, and literature.
Here's what some Welsh learners have to say about their experience of learning Welsh:
I started learning Welsh 4 years ago in adult evening classes. It’s a great feeling to progress from recognising the odd word on the tv or radio to being able to understand a good bit of what’s said. It's been wonderful to meet other learners in and outside Wales - it’s a lovely community to be part of.
Sam, Caerphilly
I started learning Welsh because it was important for me to feel connected to my roots. My son is going to go to a Welsh school too, so I want to be able to speak Welsh with him and the school. He is currently attending a Welsh nursery and my Welsh lessons have helped me to use the language in my daily conversations with the nursery.
Fiona, Carmarthenshire
Welsh in the workplace
Speaking Welsh in the workplace
Having Welsh language skills could lead to more job opportunities because:
- Some jobs advertised in Wales ask for Welsh as an essential or desirable skill
- All public sector organisations in Wales must provide Welsh language services. Welsh public services encourage workers to learn Welsh through continuing professional development (CPD)
- Welsh language skills may be essential for some jobs in sectors such as Health, Social Services and Social Care, Education, in the Public Services and the Creative Industries
- People will need to speak or be prepared to learn a basic ‘courtesy’ level of Welsh to get jobs with the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government are encouraging all staff to learn through training programmes
Speaking and connecting with colleagues and customers in their first language is important. The National Survey for Wales 2019 stated:
- 80% of Welsh speakers spoke Welsh with at least some of their Welsh-speaking colleagues
- 93% of fluent Welsh-speaking employees spoke some Welsh with people outside their organisation
Read some of the blogs employers such as Boots and the Principality have written abour being recognised with the Welsh Language Commissioner's Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) for offering services to the public in Welsh. View the Cynnig Cymraeg blogs on the Welsh Language Commissioner's website.
Support for employers
Take a look at some of the ways employers can support their employees to learn Welsh in different ways:
- Work Welsh is a programme designed to strengthen Welsh language skills in the workplace. Work Welsh offers fully-funded relevant, flexible training. Find out more on Cymraeg Gwaith Work Welsh on the Learn Welsh website
- Helo Blod is a fast and friendly Welsh translation and advice service which offers free Welsh translation for your business. Look at Helo Blod on the Business Wales website
- Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) is recognition by the Commissioner and given to organisations that take pride in the Welsh language by offering Welsh language services to the public. Find out more about the Welsh Offer on the Welsh Language Commissioner's website
You might also like
Explore some of the job options available when you study Welsh.
Use our course search to find a course that's right for you. Includes part time courses, short courses and community learning.
Explore the funding available in Wales for courses and training.
Find out more about what’s involved in adult and community education and where to find courses.
Find out about studying at home and in your own time. Get information on pros and cons and where to find courses.