Anyone know owt about Wales?

[englishmann]

I'm considering the prospect of going for an MA/PhD in English Literature at Cardiff University. This not a post about zomg what should I do, visas, passports, planes(!!!)...I'm a British citizen, getting a BA at an American university and have looked into similar programmes in the UK before

Comments

[deke]

I've heard your story before but I don't remember the exact details (I'm a friend of lady_t_220 and sort of pseudo-family of House W) but you are a dual citizen, right? Were you raised in the US or can you do a passable American accent? Because the people in Cardiff are very friendly to Americans, in my experience. And this gives me the opportunity to drag out my old story about the two nice ladies from Cardiff who cornered our bus driver when they got off and wouldn't let him get back on the bus until he promised not to let me off in some Godforsaken part of Swansea unless there was a taxi (or tacsi in Welsh ;) ) waiting for me. I never once had a communication problem in South Wales.

Also, I noticed someone below me mentioned Rosetta Stone. I have the Rosetta Stone Level 1 Welsh. I have to say I'm not that thrilled with it. It gives you the basics, sure, and you can hear native speakers, but it's not very comprehensive. I could see learning a lot from the language classes that have all three levels available, but Welsh has only the one. You're much better off (IMO) using the free stuff offered by the BBC.

Welsh At Home has a lot of interesting stuff, including a dictionary and a mutation checker.
The Big Welsh Challenge has a lot of really good stuff, too. I've learned more so far with their interactive video course than I have with Rosetta Stone. Rosetta Stone cost me $120 (I got it cheap on Amazon.com, it usually runs $209 on the RS website) and The Big Welsh Challenge is free. Definitely the way to go.

If you decide you want to learn Welsh and want a study buddy, let me know. I'm really just starting out too and could use someone to practice with and make me keep a regular schedule.

[englishmann]

LOL. Heard my story...

Yes, I'm a dual citizen. I was raised here and have a hybrid accent; I sound English to Americans and Britons who don't know me well, and I sound like a weird in between to those who do. But, yes, I can hide one side or the other rather easily.

Let me get back to you on the Welsh. I got an e-mail from the university today, and it's looking better and better. If I get in and decide to do it, then I'll definitely take you up on the offer. :)

Cheers.