News

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.