So, it’s the news that many of us proud Welsh folk have known for many years – we read today that speaking Welsh is actually good for your health! Well, who’d have thought it?

A professor at the University of Edinburgh has revealed that she is investigating what happens to the brain when we speak or study a minority language like Welsh. Professor Antonella Sorace said that previous research has shown that being bilingual and having access to more than one language can benefit the brain in various ways – it can boost mental capacity and even has the potential to slow the ageing process in the brain and delay illnesses like dementia.

Now, new research is being done into whether the minority languages, such as Welsh, Gaelic and Cornish, have a further beneficial effect on the brain.

Many of these smaller languages are fast dying out, mainly because they aren’t being taught in school so much and parents often don’t see the benefit of passing them down to their children.

Here in Wales, we’re lucky because huge steps have been taken in recent years to try and safeguard our lovely language – it is now compulsory in schools across Wales to offer Welsh lessons, and public bodies like councils, National Parks and Government offices all must offer bilingual services.

Image via wikicommons

However, many people think more can be done to preserve the Welsh language, as fluent speakers fall by 7,000 per year – a rapid decline for a nation with a small population.

And, as we’d say in Welsh “Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon” (A nation without a language is a nation without a heart). So if you’re learning Welsh then huge congratulations on your efforts – it’s not an easy language to learn but it’ll be worth it, we promise.

And if you’re planning to visit us here in Wales then what about some handy phrases to learn while you’re here? Have fun practicing these!! Welwch chi’n fuan 🙂

Shwmae                       Hi, how are you?

Iawn diolch                  Good thanks.

Helo                             Hello!

Croeso!                        Welcome

Diolch                          Thanks

Dim diolch                   No thanks

Ga’i                              May I have

Os gwelwch yn dda      Please

Swmpus                       Awesome

Cwrw                            Ale

Nosda                          Goodnight

Bore da                        Good morning

Cwsg yn dawel             Sleep tight

Gwersylla                     Camping

Ychafi                          Horrid

Slogdion                      Chips

Hwyl fawr!                    Cheerio

Saesneg                       English

Dim problem                No worries

Pam?                           Why?

Cymru                          WALES!