Discover Offa's Dyke Path
-
The Welsh language - Llanfairpwllgwyngyl - and other long names!
The history of the Welsh language is a fascinating one, with it being though to be one of the oldest living languages in Europe! 23% of the population today still speak Cymraeg (Welsh) and its lilting tones are simply a delight to listen to!
History
The Welsh language originates from the Celtic language which arrived in Britain around 600BC and evolved into Brythonic (the basis for Cymraeg). When the Anglo-Saxons invaded around the 12th century, Middle Welsh as it was called then, survived and many Welsh-speaking people can still understand this today.
The language was banned in 1536 by Henry VIII and it began to be suppressed, as people needed to speak English to get jobs. It was revived through political campaigns in the 20th century and in 1992 it was given equal status as English.
Some useful words
Cymru - Wales
Bore da - Good morning
Prynhawn da - Good afternoon
Iechyd da! - Cheers!
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch - no, that isn't a typo! Famous for being the longest place name in Europe, it translates to "St Mary's Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave".