How a song can save a language

MBE2017

Free Member
  • Feb 16, 2017
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    Thought I would show the result of a song, written just over forty years ago, which helped a resurgence in the Welsh language, which was close to dying out. At the time only approx 5-800 true Welsh speakers were left in Wales, mainly the north, with English almost extinguishing it from use.

    Welsh was introduced in schools, and the song Yma o Hyd, by Dafydd Iwan was written. This gave the nationalists much support in their efforts to get Welsh extolling their struggle and survival from Roman times, and how the language would survive until judgement day.

    At the recent Wales vs Austria international game, Dafydd was invited to sing it live before the game, it has become a second anthem to the Welsh, many thinking of Ukraine atm due to the chorus of “We're still here, in spite of everyone and everything."

    Anyway, this was the result, and you can see the effect it has on Dafydd to see how the Welsh have embraced their language again.




    Turn your speakers up for the true effect.

     

    Ozzy

    Founder of UKBF
    UKBF Staff
  • Feb 9, 2003
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    bdgroup.co.uk
    That sent shivers down my spine in a positive way. Amazing to listen to.
    As a toddler I lived in North Wales for a few years, went to a welsh speaking school and spoke it fluently. Sadly can’t recall a word of it now, but my gran rest her soul used to ask my brother and I to sing in welsh to her all the time.
     
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    intheTRADE

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    Apr 14, 2019
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    As Welsh names go, Dafydd Iwan is as Welsh as Welsh gets

    I've got huge admiration for the passion of the Welsh, in particular their sport

    Many years ago I was dating a Welsh girl and spent many weekends in Swansea. I thought us Geordies were passionate, but when she took me to Wales v All Black's in Cardiff I was blown away by the Welsh support

    I also attended a fireworks display at Swansea City's Football Groud which hosted by Darius (that pop idol singer) and Lee Trundle who, at the time, was Wales' David Beckham - the Welsh lot even went crazy to just see those two
     
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