Are you learning Welsh and looking for opportunities to practice speaking? It’s a common challenge for language learners to move from studying grammar and vocabulary to confidently holding a conversation. Speaking Welsh in a supportive environment is key to fluency and building your confidence. Our Welsh conversation groups offer the perfect safe space to practice and improve your Welsh language skills, regardless of your current level.
We offer different levels of conversation groups to cater to learners at various stages of their Welsh language journey. Please note that these sessions are designed to supplement your independent Welsh learning efforts, not replace formal classes. To make the most of these conversation groups, you should be actively learning Welsh through other resources. Below, we also provide links to online resources to help you Learn Welsh effectively.
Beginners’ Welsh Conversation (Level 1)
- Frequency: Twice a month on Wednesdays at 5 PM
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Level: Designed for beginners who are currently learning Welsh independently.
- Focus: Basic conversation practice to help you become comfortable speaking Welsh.
- Led by: Christine McSorley
- Group Size: Limited to 8 participants to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
This group is perfect if you’re just starting out on your Welsh learning journey. It provides a relaxed and encouraging setting to try out your basic Welsh phrases and begin to build your speaking confidence.
Intermediate Welsh Conversation (Level 2)
- Frequency: Twice a month on Mondays at 5 PM (Note: Currently Unavailable)
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Level: Suitable for learners with at least 1-2 years of independent Welsh study.
- Focus: Intermediate level conversation covering topics, alphabet practice, reading aloud, and pronunciation to enhance comfort in speaking Welsh.
- Led by: Christine McSorley
- Group Size: Limited to 8 participants.
While Level 2 chats are not currently running, they are designed for those who have a foundational understanding of Welsh and want to expand their conversational abilities. Keep an eye on our events page for updates on the availability of Level 2 sessions.
Intermediate PLUS Conversation (Level 3)
- Frequency: Every Tuesday from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Level: Ideal for learners with more than 2 years of independent Welsh learning.
- Focus: Engaging in conversations using questions, topics, maps, and visual aids like paintings or drawings. Emphasis on comfortable speaking and listening comprehension, often without relying on text.
- Led by: Susan Davies Sit – for content
- Group Size: Limited to 12 participants.
Level 3 is designed for more advanced learners who want to refine their fluency and comprehension. These sessions offer stimulating topics and materials to encourage more natural and spontaneous Welsh conversation.
Online Resources for Learning Welsh
To support your Welsh learning journey, we recommend exploring online resources that can complement our conversation groups. Diane Owen from the Washington DC Welsh Society, in a presentation at our 2019 St. David’s Day Luncheon, shared valuable insights into various resources for learning Welsh.
Click here to access Diane Owen’s Handouts on Resources for Learning Welsh
These handouts provide a curated list of online platforms, tools, and materials that can aid your Welsh language studies. Combining structured learning with conversational practice is a highly effective approach to mastering Welsh.
Ready to Speak Welsh?
Don’t be a “deer-in-the-headlights” when it comes to speaking Welsh! Our conversation groups are designed to help you overcome that hesitation and confidently use your Welsh.
Visit our EVENTS page to find the schedule and access details for each of these Welsh Conversation Groups and take the next step in your Welsh language journey today!
