Duolingo Welsh Course Designer Responds to Guardian Article on Language Learning
In response to a recent Guardian article by Dan Fox about his journey to learn Welsh, Richard Morse, the Duolingo Welsh course designer and writer, has shared insights into the app's approach and the broader context of Welsh language revival. The article, titled "Where Duolingo falls down: how I learned to speak Welsh with my mother," sparked a lively discussion among readers and language enthusiasts.
Supporting Welsh Learners Through Digital Platforms
Richard Morse emphasised that the Duolingo Welsh course was never intended to be a standalone resource but rather a supportive tool for learners. He stated, "We created a resource on the largest language learning platform in the world that is available at the click of a mouse, and which gives people using it the confidence that it is indeed possible to learn Welsh." With over 700,000 regular users, the course aims to complement formal lessons and other learning methods, as described in Fox's article.
Challenges in Standardising Spoken Welsh
A key point raised in the response is the lack of a universally accepted standard for spoken Welsh. Morse noted that the Welsh used in the Duolingo course is based on the most recent spoken Welsh standard approved by the Welsh government for courses throughout Wales. However, he acknowledged that Dan Fox's mother considered some aspects erroneous, reflecting ongoing debates within the Welsh-speaking community. This issue is seen as a factor holding back the language's revival, despite efforts to promote it.
Reader Reactions and Personal Stories
Guardian readers also shared their thoughts on the article, adding personal anecdotes and cultural insights. Sian O'Neill from Oxfordshire expressed how the article evoked emotions and memories, highlighting regional variations in Welsh terms for grandparents, such as "Nain and Taid" in north Wales versus "Mam-gu and Dad-cu" in south Wales. Another reader, Martin Pennington from Shropshire, pointed out a minor error in a bilingual road sign featured in the print article, where "cyfymder" was misspelled instead of the correct "cyflymder" for speed.
The Fun and Frustrations of Learning Welsh
Dan Fox's long read detailed his experiences learning Welsh to connect with his mother's heritage, describing both the joys and difficulties. Readers resonated with this, sharing their own struggles and successes in mastering the language. The article underscored the importance of cultural context, such as singing "Cwm Rhondda" in Welsh in a small chapel, which evoked strong emotional responses.
Overall, the discussion highlights the vibrant yet complex landscape of Welsh language learning, with digital tools like Duolingo playing a supportive role amidst ongoing challenges in standardisation and regional differences.
