Learn Welsh with Will Ep4: Welsh Pronunciation -

Summary

This video provides an engaging introduction to Welsh pronunciation, highlighting its phonetic nature and differences from English. It explains how each letter consistently represents a single sound, clarifying absent letters and introducing unique sounds such as the rolled 'R' and the distinct 'LL'. The guide emphasizes practical examples, demonstrating how to pronounce common Welsh names and words correctly. With a reassuring tone, the presenter encourages viewers that with practice, mastering Welsh pronunciation is achievable and enjoyable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Welsh pronunciation is phonetic, making it easier once you learn the sounds of the letters.
• 😀 Unlike English, Welsh letters have consistent sounds; for example, the letter 'a' always sounds like 'a'.
• 😀 The Welsh alphabet lacks certain English letters like J, Q, V, X, and Z.
• 😀 Unique Welsh sounds include 'ff' for 'f' and 'f' for 'v'; for example, 'fenest' (window) and 'aed' (drink).
• 😀 The letter 'D' in Welsh sounds like 'du', while 'dd' sounds similar to the English 'th'.
• 😀 'L' in Welsh sounds like 'll', which is pronounced by shaping the mouth as if blowing.
• 😀 The Welsh 'CH' has no direct English equivalent and is similar to the Scottish 'ch'.
• 😀 Welsh 'R' is always rolled, contrasting with the often silent 'r' in English.
• 😀 The Welsh letter 'U' is pronounced like 'e', distinguishing between two similar sounds.
• 😀 The letter 'Y' in Welsh can mean 'the' and has variable pronunciations depending on its position in a word.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video provides a guide to Welsh pronunciation, emphasizing that Welsh is a phonetic language.

How does Welsh pronunciation differ from English pronunciation?

In Welsh, letters consistently sound the same, unlike in English, where letters can have multiple sounds.

Which English letters are absent in the Welsh alphabet?

The Welsh alphabet does not include the letters J, Q, V, X, or Z.

What are the unique sounds represented in the Welsh alphabet?

Welsh has sounds like 'ff' for the English 'V', 'dd' for a sound similar to 'th', and 'll', which is a distinct sound not found in English.

How is the letter 'C' pronounced in Welsh compared to English?

In Welsh, the letter 'C' is always pronounced as 'K', unlike in English where it can also sound like 'S'.

What is the significance of the letter 'Y' in Welsh?

The letter 'Y' can be pronounced as 'uh' or 'ee', depending on its position in the word.

How is the letter 'U' pronounced in Welsh?

The letter 'U' in Welsh is pronounced like the English 'E', and is differentiated between 'e bedol' and 'e dots'.

What does the Welsh word 'fenest' mean, and how is it pronounced?

'Fenest' means 'window' and is pronounced with a double 'f' sound, as 'fenest'.

What does the Welsh name 'David' illustrate about Welsh pronunciation?

In 'David', the double 'd' is pronounced distinctly, resembling the English 'th' sound.

What advice does the video give for practicing Welsh pronunciation?

The video suggests applying phonetic sounds consistently while reading Welsh words to improve pronunciation.