News and Events

Friday, 7 February will be Dydd Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day) which celebrates all forms of Welsh music. 

Playlists and many more details can be found on the Dydd Miwsig Cymru website which has music for all tastes!

As part of the celebrations there will be a Welsh Music Day gig held at Aberystwyth Arts Centre 11-14.45 on 7 February. It all kicks off at 11 with Cicio’r Bar presenting Indie-folk band Lo-Fi Jones. Then at 12 the Bank Vault will present folk star Gwilym Bowen Rhys and Gigs Cantre’r Gwaelod will be introducing local singer-songwriter Beth Celyn, the  event will conclude with Garlleg introducing alternative pop artist Osgled between 14.00-14.45.

The gig is FREE! Call over!

For more information contact the Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

A new course taught through the medium of Welsh, "Gwbidaith drwy Lenyddiaeth Gymraeg", begins on 3.02.2025.

The University has published the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2023-24.

You can read the report here: Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2023-24

Aberystwyth University has honoured individuals for their contribution to the Welsh language.

At an awards ceremony held on Wednesday 4 December, the winners of the Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards for 2024 were announced after they were nominated by the University's staff and students.

_{From left to right) Dr Gwawr Taylor, Philip Bowling, Ellie Norris, Celyn Bennett, James Fennell, Catrin Davies, Dr Lloyd Roderick, Elain Gwynedd, Jon King (on behalf of Sharon King), Alice Gwynne-Jones, Dr Eurig Salisbury, Professor Mererid Hopwood, Dr Hanna Binks, Vicki Jones, Ruth Fowler, Dr Hywel Griffiths and Professor Jon Timmis}

As learners and first-language Welsh speakers, students and staff, the winners were awarded for the following categories:

• Exceptional Learner (Staff) – Vicki Jones
• Promoting Welsh in the Workplace – Dr Hanna Binks and Dr Lloyd Roderick
• Studying through the medium of Welsh – Ellie Norris
• Welsh Language Champion (Student) – Celyn Bennett
• Supporting Welsh in the Workplace – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Team

Elain Gwynedd, Welsh Culture Officer and UMCA President was also awarded the Panel's Special Award for her work promoting the Welsh language and culture at the University.

Each winner received a personal englyn from either Professor Mererid Hopwood, Dr Eurig Salisbury, (Lecturer in Creative Writing, of the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at the University) or Dr Hywel Griffiths, (Reader at the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences).

Congratulating the winners, Dr Gwawr Taylor, University Secretary and Director of Welsh Language said: ''Today we celebrate the outstanding contribution of individuals who have been learning and promoting Welsh at the University. Their dedication and passion motivates and inspires staff and students across the University community.  Thank you all for your tireless work and commitment to the Welsh language." 

The Winners 

Vicki Jones (Exceptional Learner): Born in Neston, the Wirral, Vicki moved to Wales to the village of Coedpoeth, Wrexham at the age of 10 and heard Welsh being spoken for the first time in the community. After a few years working for several companies in the Wrexham area, Vicki met Gareth, her husband and moved to Ceredigion where she started working for Aberystwyth University. Six years ago, with her husband and sons all Welsh speakers, Vicki began learning Welsh in earnest, attending community classes and Work Welsh courses. As well as being of benefit at work, Welsh has been of great benefit to Vicki in the community. She now assists several local events including the Eisteddfod in Cwm Ystwyth. Vicki also prepares the bilingual posters for events and is the local contact for the Welsh language community newspaper. Vicki retired in the summer, after almost 30 years working for the University.   

Dr Hanna Binks (Promoting Welsh in the Workplace): Born in Aberystwyth, Hanna returned to the area in 2017 following her appointment as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University. She was appointed Lecturer with responsibility for Welsh in the Department in 2019 and has worked tirelessly to develop study opportunities and promote the use of Welsh within the Department. Hanna is passionate about the Welsh language and feels that psychology is an important subject in the community. She is keen to further develop the provision including research projects and schemes through the medium of Welsh. 

Dr Lloyd Roderick (Promoting Welsh in the Workplace): Brought up in non-Welsh speaking household and originally from Llanelli with a background in Art and Librarianship, Lloyd originally moved to Aberystwyth to complete research on one of the National Library's Art collections. In 2015, he was appointed as a Subject Librarian at Hugh Owen Library, Aberystwyth University working specifically with the Departments of Law, Welsh and Celtic Studies, History and Art supporting students and staff with collections, research and resources. The Welsh language is very important to Lloyd, and he is eager to use the Welsh language in all aspects of his work at the University.  He views Welsh as part of the global languages and through his work and presentations promotes it at every opportunity as well as encourage its use among staff and students. 

Ellie Norris (Studying through the medium of Welsh): Ellie is a student in the Department of Law and Criminology studying a degree in Criminology. Born in Aberdare, she grew up in a non-Welsh speaking household and learnt to speak the language at primary school. She decided to attend Aberystwyth University because she wanted to study in an area where Welsh can be heard spoken within the community. She is currently an ambassador for the trauma-informed Wales network and is keen to improve the Welsh communication systems.  Ellie also wishes to be an ambassador for the Department of Law and Criminology and promote Welsh medium study. In the future, after graduating, Ellie would like to pursue a career as a detective or a forensic psychologist.

Celyn Bennett (Welsh Language Champion): Celyn is currently studying a degree in Welsh at Aberystwyth University. Originally from the Bristol area, she grew up in a non-Welsh speaking household and first heard the language at the age of five. She moved to Monmouth at 11 and attended Monmouth Comprehensive School and while studying there completed a GCSE and A Level in Welsh as a second Language. The Welsh language is very important to Celyn, and she is very active in promoting Welsh and supporting other students to learn the language. She is currently President of Aberystwyth Labour Students and strives to ensure that the society operates bilingually. After graduating, Celyn is keen to pursue a career in Welsh language planning.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office Team (Supporting the Welsh Language): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office team maintains and supports the Welsh language in the faculty. Staff provide guidance, administrative and managerial support in Welsh at Departmental, Schools and Faculty level to staff and Faculty members. The staff are dedicated to promoting the Welsh language in all situations, encouraging its use and developing opportunities formally and informally.

Elain Gwynedd (The Panel Special Award): Raised in the Porthaethwy area of Ynys Môn, she attended Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll Primary School and then Ysgol Syr David Hughes. In 2020, Elain came to Aberystwyth University to study Welsh and graduated in 2023. Throughout her time at the University, she has been very proactive organising events, supporting and promoting the Welsh language. She was UMCA ‘Welsh Language Students’ Union’ Social Publications Officer and Aelwyd Pantycelyn Treasurer in 2021-22, President of y Geltaidd and Vice President of UMCA in 2022-23. In 2023, she was elected Welsh Culture Officer and President of UMCA and in 2024 she was re-elected for a second year. She is passionate about the Welsh language and during her time as President of UMCA, Aberystwyth students won the Intercollege eisteddfod for the first time in 9 years, celebrated the 50th anniversary of UMCA, and in the summer of 2024, Elain’s proposal to change the name of the Union from Aberystwyth Students' Union to Undeb Aberystwyth was successful. Welsh is an integral part her life and her aim is to ensure that the language prospers for the next generation.

Certificate of Special Recognition

In addition to the above award winners, the adjudicating panel presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to students James Fennell, Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, Cai Phillips, Department of Theatre, Film & Television Studies and International Politics and to staff members Philip Bowling, Academic Registry and Sharon King, School of Veterinary Science for their commitment to the Welsh language.

The Health & Safety Team will be running the following Welsh medium training courses in December 2024 and January 2025:

Hyfforddiant Asesiad Risg (Risk Assessment)

Date: Wednesday 4 December 2024

Time: 14:00-16:30

Location: D54, Hugh Owen, Penglais Campus

Hyfforddiant Wardeiniaid Tan (Fire Warden)

Date: Wednesday 22 January 2025

Time: 10:00-12:00

Location: TBC

Follow the link below for further information:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hse/training/training-courses/

The University will be celebrating Shwmae Su’ mae’ Day on Tuesday 15 October.  It is a day to celebrate the Welsh language and there will be a special offer at the Food Hall, Caffi Bach at the Gwendolen Rees Building and at the Arts Centre Cafe to everyone who says ‘Shwmae Su’ mae’ when ordering a hot drink.  Give it a go!

If you would also like to celebrate the day with your Team or Department, a promotional resource pack, a play list and much more are available from the Shwmae website: shwmae.cymru

The Centre for Welsh Language Services and the Aber Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol will be hosting and attending a number of events over Welcome Week which will include:

• Welcome Breakfast for Year 1 Students (Welsh speakers and learners) 11.45am, Sunday 22 September, Medrus Mawr, Penglais Campus.

A great opportunity for new students to learn more about what's available in Welsh at Aberystwyth University and to socialise over a free cuppa and food!

• Session during the Coffee Morning,10.30am-11:30am, Wednesday 25 September, Senior Common Room, Pantycelyn

An introduction to Welsh Language and Culture, together with some useful key phrases to use!

We will also have an Information Stand at the following events:

• AberWelcome Sunday Sessions, 1pm- 6.30pm, Sunday 22 September.
• Freshers' Fair, 10am-4pm, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th September, Great Hall, Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Everyone is welcome to come along to hear more about the University's Welsh Language Services and the Aber Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

If you are a fluent Welsh speaker and would like to be able to demonstrate that your written and oral skills in Welsh are sufficient to work bilingually in the workplace, the deadline for registering for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Welsh Language Skills Certificate is 7 November 2024. It’s a free qualification through Coleg Cymraeg, with seven sessions to prepare candidates for the assessment and give a shine to their written and spoken Welsh. The programme of sessions is flexible and offers both virtual and face-to-face sessions. The sessions will be delivered by the University’s Welsh Language Department. Please contact sgiliau@aber.ac.uk for more information, or you can register online here. 

Staff are now able to include a Mailtip on their internal outlook profiles to let others know that they speak Welsh or speak some Welsh.

By going to the “Online Staff Profile” app in Apex (myadmin.aber.ac.uk) you can select to note that you speak Welsh or speak some Welsh.

Please see these FAQs for further information:

Outlook MailTip

https://faqs.aber.ac.uk/index.php?id=9448

10-12:30 09/07/2024

Hugh Owen C43, Penglais Campus

Follow the link below for further information and to book a place:

https://stafftraining.aber.ac.uk/hs/list_courses.php

The nominations for Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards 2024 are now open.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the inspiring contributions of members of staff and students in supporting the use of Welsh, and to celebrate the University’s bilingual ethos.

This year there will also be an opportunity to nominate a Department or Team in a new category, ‘Supporting Welsh in Workplace’.

More information available here. 

Aberystwyth University staff who are learning Welsh enjoying a cuppa and a quiz to celebrate St David's Day.

If you are interested in learning Welsh please drop us a line at canolfangymraeg@aber.ac.uk

University staff who are learning Welsh at any level are welcome to pop in for a chat, Welsh cakes and a cuppa.

10.30 am, 1 March 2024, Medrus 1, Penbryn Building, Penglais Campus

There will also be an opportunity to take part in a Welsh quiz.

For more details, contact Olwen Morus, olm25@aber.ac.uk.

What does Welsh mean to you? Mererid Hopwood and Mandi Morse, of the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, will be holding a short face-to-face training session, "Welsh, Work and Me", on the 8 March 2024 (10:00-11:00, 0.25 Cledwyn), to explore the answer to this question and to discuss your Welsh language journey.

The workshop aims to raise awareness and understanding of the place of Welsh language at work and to raise confidence in using the language.

All staff are welcome, but particularly staff members from a non-Welsh speaking background and/or those that lack confidence in using Welsh. The course will be delivered in English with some Welsh.

For further information please email wlcstaff@aber.ac.uk and to register please visit https://stafftraining.aber.ac.uk/.

In accordance with the Welsh Language Standards (Standard 100) the University has adopted a new policy and procedure to assess the impact of grants and financial assistance on the Welsh language. Departments that are responsible for awarding grants or financial assistance must complete a Welsh language impact assessment (see appendix 2 of the policy) in consultation with the Centre for Welsh Language Services. These assessments will be an opportunity to identify opportunities within grant/financial assistance schemes to ensure equality for the Welsh language and to increase the positive effect on the language. 

Opportunity to win a £30 Arts Centre Voucher

The Centre for Welsh Language Services is conducting an online survey about Welsh in the workplace so it can further promote its use and help to identify training needs and development opportunities.  

The questionnaire is open to everybody, non-Welsh speakers as well as Welsh speakers, and your answers will be completely anonymous. After completing the survey there will also be an opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a £30 Arts Centre voucher.

Please see the link in the latest staff bulletin to complete the survey by 30 November 2023. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes for you to complete.

Aberystwyth University has honoured individuals for their contribution to the Welsh language.

The winners of the Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards for 2023 were announced at an awards ceremony in October, after they were nominated by staff and students. 

As learners and first-language Welsh speakers, students and staff, five winners were awarded for the following categories:

• Exceptional Learner (Staff) – Kate Barber and Dr Martine Garland
• Promoting Welsh in the Workplace – Abigail Crook
• Studying through the medium of Welsh – Ffion King
• Welsh Language Champion (Student) – Cai Phillips

Professor Elizabeth Treasure was also awarded the Panel’s Special Award for her key support to the Welsh language during her term as Vice-Chancellor at the University.

The winners received a personal englyn by Professor Mererid Hopwood, Dr Eurig Salisbury, from the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies or Dr Hywel Griffiths, from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.

Congratulating the winners, Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Director of Welsh Language and External Engagement, said:

“It is a privilege once again to recognise and celebrate the contribution made by individuals who have shone through in promoting the Welsh language at the University.  It was also a special honour to recognise the significant achievements of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Treasure, ahead of her retirement.  The contribution made by the winners and those recognised in this year’s Awards underlines the positive influence that individuals can have to inspire their fellow students and co-workers”. 

The Winners 

Kate Barber (Exceptional Learner): Born in Nottingham and raised in Herefordshire, Kate moved to Aberystwyth in 2021 to study a Master’s degree in Information and Library Studies. Whilst studying the course she started learning Welsh, initially with ‘Duo Lingo’, before enrolling on an Entry level Welsh course.  Two years later, Kate is working as a Service Desk Assistant at the Hugh Owen Library at the University. The post is a Welsh medium role and Kate enjoys communicating confidently in Welsh with students, staff and visitors to the Library.  She also enjoys socialising in Welsh within the local community.

Martine Garland (Exceptional Learner): Originally from London, Martine moved to Aberystwyth following her appointment as a lecturer in the Business School at Aberystwyth University in 2020. As she was moving to Wales, she felt it was very important to learn Welsh to be able to speak the language within the local community and so she decided to enrol on a Welsh Taster course. Martine has continued to learn Welsh and currently attends several courses weekly including a Work Welsh course and a community course and has just returned after completing a course at Nant Gwrtheyrn language school.  She can now converse more confidently in Welsh with colleagues, students and the local community.

Abigail Crook (Promoting Welsh in the Workplace): Abigail first came to Aberystwyth in 2009 to study a degree in Librarianship and had the opportunity to work at the University’s libraries at the time. Following a period of time away in north and south Wales, she returned to Aberystwyth in 2018 to study a Master’s degree in Translation. She subsequently worked in the Business School at the University before returning to work once again as a member of the Information Services team. Working as a member of the customer service team, she provides, develops and promotes the University’s library and IT services. Welsh plays a very prominent role in all areas of her work.  In her role, Abigail is keen to use Welsh creatively when compiling marketing material and text, to ensure that the language is clear and comprehensive when creating information resources and when using it on a daily basis with service users and colleagues.

Ffion King (Studying through the medium of Welsh): Ffion is a student in the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies. She was born in England and during her childhood lived in Papua New Guinea before her family returned to live in Gloucester when Ffion was 12 years old. While visiting friends in Wales, Ffion bought a copy of the Mabinogion at Caernarfon Castle which sparked a particular interest in Celtic literature. Ffion is passionate about Welsh and started learning the language on her own six months before attending the University in September 2021. Ffion is queer and autistic, and feels that learning the language has opened a door to its culture and a new world in Welsh.

Cai Phillips (Welsh Language Champion): Cai is currently studying a joint honours degree in International Relations and the Media. He grew up on a dairy farm in Blaenycoed, Carmarthenshire and attended the local primary school and Bro Myrddin School. Welsh is very important to Cai and he chose to come to Aberystwyth University so that he could study through the medium of Welsh and get the opportunity to live in a Welsh community whilst studying. During his time as a student at Aberystwyth University, he has been very active in promoting the Welsh language as the Welsh Officer of Aberhike’ hiking club as well as assisting UMCA with the Welsh chat sessions every week.  After completing his course, Cai would like to pursue a career in journalism or politics.

Professor Elizabeth Treasure (The Panel Special Award): Elizabeth Treasure joined Aberystwyth University as Vice-Chancellor in April 2017. During her term as Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University, she has learnt Welsh and has been at the forefront in encouraging the development and use of the Welsh language and ensuring that it is a central part of the University’s Strategic Plan.  This includes the development of new courses including the Veterinary Course and the Nursing Course that provide opportunity for students to study in Welsh. Elizabeth Treasure has also enabled a new generation of Welsh speaking students to reside at Neuadd Pantycelyn following its major refurbishment.

Certificate of Special Recognition
In addition to the above award winners, the adjudicating panel presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to students Gareth Tuen Griffiths, Department of Physics and Lowri Bebb, Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, and to staff members Chris Stewart, Department of Theatre, Film & Television Studies, Colin Nosworthy, Communications and Public Affairs and Julie Roberts, Estates, Facilities and Residences, for their commitment to the Welsh language.

If you are a Welsh speaker but would like to improve or strengthen your Welsh skills (and get a very useful qualification while doing so) the deadline for registering for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Welsh Language Skills Certificate is 8 November 2023. It’s a free course through Coleg Cymraeg, with a flexible timetable of activities, offering both virtual and face-to-face sessions. The sessions will be delivered by the University’s Welsh Language Department. Please contact sgiliau@aber.ac.uk for more information, or you can register online here. 

If you are learning Welsh and interested in attending Welsh Chat Sessions to practice your Welsh there are plenty on offer: 

Arts Centre (top bar) – all levels 

1-1.30 every other Thursday, starting 28/9. 

Cinio Cymraeg at the Foodhall – all levels 

12.30 onwards on Wednesdays every 3 weeks starting 13 September. 

Zoom – Foundation 2/Intermediate level 

11.30-12 Wednesdays (starting 13/9) 

Please contact Olwen Morus (olm25@aber.ac.uk) for the link.

Zoom – Entry 2 / Foundation 1 level 

1.30 – 2- Tuesdays (starting 12/9) 

Please contact Olwen Morus (olm25@aber.ac.uk) for the link.

Zoom – Entry 1 level 

12-12.30 Wednesdays (starting 13/9) 

Please contact Olwen Morus (olm25@aber.ac.uk) for the link.

Department of Welsh & Celtic Studies 150th Lecture
Professor Michael Cronin, Trinity College, Dublin

Date: 06/09/23
Time: 16:30-17:30
Location: The Studio, Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Michael Cronin is Professor of French and holder of the prestigious ‘1776’ Chair at Trinity College Dublin. He is the author of more than a dozen books and over 150 articles and chapters in scholarly publications. His work has been translated into more than 15 languages, and among his many research interests are translation and translation theory, travel literature, and eco-criticism.

As a speaker of the Irish language, he has taken an interest in the connection between the environment and minority languages. In his bilingual book, An Ghaeilge agus an Éiceolaíocht/ Irish and Ecology (2019), he maintains that the language issue is in essence an ecological question.

In this lecture he will be discussing the importance of languages such as Welsh and Irish, and the relationship between languages for the future.

This is a special opportunity to welcome Professor Cronin to Wales, to hear his teaching and be able to ask him questions.

For further details, please contact ccgc@aber.ac.uk

Would you like to develop your Welsh language skills?  Several Learn Welsh courses will be starting in September for Aberystwyth University staff.  Please see course details below:

Cymraeg Gwaith +

Are you interested in being able to lecture or hold seminars or mark through the medium of Welsh?  Do you speak Welsh at Advanced level? The course is from September '23 until July '24 for teaching staff to develop more confidence and improve language patterns so that they can lecture or hold seminars through the medium of Welsh from September '24. It will be possible to tailor the course to your needs.

Confidence Building Course

Did you learn Welsh in school but lack the confidence in using it?  If you have some Welsh already and would like to gain confidence to use it in work, we have a new Welsh ‘Confidence Building’ class starting in September which is free for staff.  The sessions will be held between 1-2pm via Zoom on Mondays and Fridays.

Intense Course at Entry 1 Level

An intense 60 hour course will be offered for staff at beginner level from 4 – 8 September and 8-12 January.  The course will be taught via Zoom between 9.30 -4.30 with plenty of breaks during the day.  It is a great opportunity to start learning Welsh and for those who are unable to attend weekly sessions. Please note that places are limited, do get in touch as soon as possible if you would like to register on the course.

All courses are free of charge and all staff wishing to enrol are asked to seek their Line Manager’s permission prior to registration.  Please note that there are limited places available. For further Information about the courses please contact Olwen Morus: olm25@aber.ac.uk.

Are you interested in being able to lecture, hold seminars or mark through the medium of Welsh?  Do you speak Welsh at A+ level?

The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in collaboration with the National Centre for Learning Welsh has developed a Work Welsh+ scheme for teaching staff.

The aim of the scheme is to raise confidence and improve language patterns in teaching staff to enable them to hold lectures and seminars through the medium of Welsh from September 2024.

The course will run from September 2023 to July 2024 and will be tailored to your needs.

If you would like a further chat about the scheme or for more details, please contact Olwen Morus, olm25@aber.ac.uk

There will be a limited number of places available on the scheme, so if you are interested, please get in touch and register as soon as possible.

The Health, Safety & Environment team are now offering this course through the medium of Welsh.

The course will run on the 21st of September 2023.

Please email hasstaff@aber.ac.uk to book your place.

Join Cered's Ar Gered walking group on an 8km walk to the source of the river Leri and more.

Discover the secret lakes of Ceredigion in a Welsh speaking group suitable for Welsh speakers of all abilities.

Meet at 10am Saturday 15th July at Llyn Pendam car park.

For more information please contact: steffan.rees@ceredigion.gov.uk

1.03.2023 Nominations for the Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards 2023 are now open!

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the inspiring contributions of members of staff and students in supporting the use of Welsh, and to celebrate the University’s bilingual ethos.

There are two awards for students in the following categories:

• Welsh Medium Study Award (for a student who has shown an exceptional commitment to studying through the medium of Welsh)
• Welsh Language Champion Award (for a student who makes an exceptional contribution to the Welsh language in the University and/or the local community)

There are also two awards for staff in the following categories:

• Exceptional Learner (for a member of staff who is learning Welsh to use in the workplace)
• Promoting Welsh in the Workplace (for a member of staff, Welsh speaker, or non-Welsh speaker, who supports the use of Welsh in the workplace)

The closing date is 31 March, and the awards ceremony will take place in October 2023.
If you know any staff members or students who are suitable for one of the above awards, please nominate them.

Nomination form for Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards 2023

Short Use your Welsh Again Course

Do you have a little Welsh, but lack the confidence to use it?  The Learn  Welsh Team have arranged a short 5 week course to help boost your skills and confidence to use Welsh again.  It is anticipated that the course wil be at Sylfaen (Foundation) level but will be tailored to the class’s needs.  The course will be taught via Zoom on Mondays 1-2pm and will commence from 27 February.  The course is free.  All staff wishing to enrol are asked to seek their Line Manager’s permission prior to registration.  For further Information please contact Olwen Morus: olm25@aber.ac.uk.

Register via the link:  Foundation Course Part 1

Assessments in Welsh on English-medium modules (Semester 2 2022-23)

Every student has the right to submit written work and to sit an exam in Welsh on English-medium modules (with the exception of modules where the language is assessed).

If your University-timetabled departmental assessments in May and June 2023 include 

• a formal exam
• an online assessment with a limited submission period (3 days or less)

please email canolfangymraeg@aber.ac.uk by 17 March 2023 if you wish to receive an examination paper in Welsh for an English-medium module in Semester 2, confirming the following details:

• your name
• your department
• module title and code

You do not need to let us know if you intend to sit your exam in English on an English-medium module. You will receive your exam paper in English automatically. Also, you do not have to tell us in advance if you wish to submit assignments in Welsh on an English-medium module.

Call over to the Theatre Bar at Aberystwyth Arts Centre , 24th June at 12.30 to find out more about the regular ‘sesiynau sgwrsio’ chat sessions catered for all levels of Welsh been organised by the Learn Welsh Team.  A free goody bag will be available to everyone who drops in! For further information please contact Olwen Morus: olm25@aber.ac.uk ; or visit the website: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/learn-welsh/

Learn Welsh Courses

Work Welsh classes starting in May

Would you like to develop Welsh language skills for the workplace? Work Welsh classes will commence from the beginning of May until the end of March 2023. 

Taught via Zoom with opportunities to meet face to face from time to time, we offer courses from beginner to Advanced level 1. There will also be self-study on-line courses at Entry and Foundation levels.

Interested?

If you are interested in registering or want to discuss other possible courses, please pop by the Learn Welsh stand next Thursday, 5 May (11.45-13.30) at Aberystwyth Arts Centre or drop Olwen Morus a line on – olm25@aber.ac.uk. 

For more information please go to the Learn Welsh website.  

Please seek your Line Manager’s permission prior to registration.  

The Work Welsh courses are funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and are free of charge.

Intensive Welsh Summer Course

Don’t forget the Intensive Welsh Summer Course, 2-27 August 2022. The course includes classes at all levels that will be held via Zoom. The course will fill up very quickly, so if you are interested, please register as soon as possible. 

Further information and registration details are available here. 

Professional Welsh Course  

You may also be interested in the Professional Welsh Course for one week from 8-12 August 2022 – a great opportunity for fluent Welsh speakers to improve their Welsh for professional use.

You may enrol for 4 weeks of intensive learning, or the first or second half of the course. The closing date to register on a course is 24 June 2022.

The University will cover your fee. Please email dysgucymraeg@aber.ac.uk for further details.

01.03.22 Nominations for the Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards 2022 are now open! 

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the inspiring contributions of members of staff and students in supporting the use of Welsh, and to celebrate the University’s bilingual ethos.

There are two awards for staff in the following categories:

• Exceptional Learner (for a member of staff who is learning Welsh to use in the workplace)
• Promoting Welsh in the Workplace (for a member of staff, Welsh speaker or non-Welsh speaker, who supports the use of Welsh in the workplace)

There are also two awards for students in the following categories:

• Welsh Medium Study Award (for a student who has shown an exceptional commitment to studying at least 40 credits through the medium of Welsh)
• Welsh Language Champion Award (for a student who makes an exceptional contribution to the Welsh language in the University and/or the local community)

The closing date is 31 March and the nomination form is on the Centre for Welsh Language Services’ website, please see the link below. 

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/cgg/welsh-language-awards/ffurflen-enwebu/

If you know any staff members or students who are suitable for one of the above awards, please nominate them.

22.02.22  Understanding the Welsh Language Standards Training

The Centre for Welsh Language Services will be holding a short training session 'Understanding the Welsh Language Standards'. The 60 minute training session will be held via Microsoft Teams.

All staff are welcome but particularly new members of staff, staff responsible for front line services, or any member of staff with an interest in this area.

The Welsh-medium session will be held at 9.30am and the English-medium session at 11.30am.  Training will be held on the following dates:

• 28 February 2022
• 4 May 2022
• 12 July 2022

Register here: CPD Sessions (aber.ac.uk)  

For more information, contact canolfangymraeg@aber.ac.uk  or visit https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/cgg/

07.12.21  Welsh Language Rights Day

Next Tuesday, 7th December, the University will join organisations across Wales in supporting the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Welsh Language Rights Day.

Drop by the information stand at the IBERS Reception Desk Penglais Campus between 10.30am and 2.30pm for a chat and to ask any questions. Leaflets will also be available at Tamed Da during the day.

The Centre for Welsh Language Services is also holding a short training session, ‘Understanding the requirements of the Welsh Language Standards’.

All staff are welcome, but especially new members of staff, those who are responsible for frontline services, or any member of staff interested in this Welsh Language Policy.

The Welsh medium session is at 9:45am and the English medium session is at 11am. Please register here: https://stafftraining.aber.ac.uk

For more information, please email canolfangymraeg@aber.ac.uk or visit https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/cgg/

Every student has the right to submit written work and to sit an exam in Welsh on English medium modules (with the exception of modules where language is assessed)

This year many departments will have alternative arrangements for assessments. If your Semester 1 module includes:

• a formal exam
• an online exam with a limited submission period (3 days or less)

Please email canolfangymraeg@aber.ac.uk by 8 November 2021 if you wish to receive an examination paper in Welsh for an English medium module in Semester 1, confirming the following details:

• Your Name
• Your Department
• Module title and code

You do not need to let us know if you intend to sit your exam in English on an English medium module. You will receive your exam paper in English automatically. Also, you do not have to tell us in advance if you wish to submit assignments in Welsh on and English medium module

Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Awards 2021

Aberystwyth University has honoured individuals for their contribution to the Welsh language. 

The winners of the  are Kate Wright, Annette Edwards, Llŷr Tomos and Elin Roach after they were nominated by the University's staff and students.

As learners and first language Welsh speakers, students and staff, the four winners have been selected for the following awards:

• Exceptional Learner (Staff) – Kate Wright
• Promoting Welsh in the Workplace – Annette Edwards 
• Welsh Medium Study – Llŷr Tomos
• Welsh Language Champion (Student) – Elen Roach

Each of the winners will receive a personal ‘Englyn’ from either Professor Mererid Hopwood or Eurig Salisbury, both members of staff in the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at the University.

Aberystwyth University Staff Welsh Language Use Survey 2021

OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A £30 ARTS CENTRE VOUCHER

We need your feedback and ideas! Your voice is important.

I’m writing to invite you to participate in an online survey to measure the use of the Welsh language in the workplace.

As a bilingual institution, we are keen to support staff in using the Welsh language in the workplace.  We believe this is beneficial not only for our internal activities but also as part of the positive experience we provide for staff, students and the wider community. 

The results of this survey will provide a useful snapshot of current practices as well as an evidence base for activities to facilitate and promote the use of Welsh in the workplace and to help identify training needs and development opportunities. 

The questionnaire is open to everybody, non-Welsh speakers as well as Welsh speakers, and your answers will be completely anonymous.

The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes for you to complete. Please click on the link below to complete the survey by 30 October 2021.

Welsh Survey

English Survey

After completing the survey you can enter a prize draw to win a £30 voucher to spend at the Arts Centre.

With thanks in advance for participating.