237 118 1MB
English Pages [33] Year 1944
WELSH WITHOUT WORRY An Easy and Helpful Guide for all who wish to learn Welsh
o No Rules to be memorized No Grammar to be mastered
o Invaluable to Holidaymakers, Commercial Travellers, etc., and to the non - Welsh - speaking natives of Wales
First Edition Second Edition
June 1944 February 1948
Third Edition
June 1957
Fourth Edition
April 1959
Fifth Edition
March 1961
SUlh Edition
MtIf'Ch 1963
Seventh Edition Eighth Edition Ninth Edition
February 1967 April 1969 February 1970
Printed and Published by Gee & Son, Ltd., Denbigh.
CONTENTS Foreword
5-6
The Alphabet
7-9
The Accent Useful Words
9
9-10
Time
11-12
Money
13-14
Numbers
14-16
Greetings
16-18
At the Hotel
18-21
At the Post Office Asking the Way Asking about the Family In the Shop
21 21-23 24
25-27
On the Farm
27
Stock Phrases
28-29
For Hikers and Cyclists
SO
FOREWORD E are living in an age when it pays every man and W woman of average intelligence to master more than one living language. Linguists live a fuller and a richer life-both in a materialistic and a cultural sense-than monoglots; and the first step towards becoming a good linguist is to become bilingual. It is not suggested that non-Welsh speaking people can become bilingual simply by studying this booklet, but these easy exercises will be found invaluable as a first step towards a practical knowledge of conversational Welsh. It has been planned to overcome the most obvious difficulties that stand in the way of English people who wish to master the Welsh langua&,e: it will teach them how to avoid the most common errors m pronunciation and spelling; it will give them power to say and write simple, every-day sentences and phrases in correct Welsh. The method used in this work is a valuable time-saver. The old systems of teaching languages made the student study grammar and syntax, and he was expected to learn a long series of intricate rules. In this little book you don't start with studying grammar, and you don't have to remember countless rules. Instead you will get practical examples embodying the general principles. Even if you fail to give each Welsh word its correct pronunciation at the first attempt, do not be discouraged: as you continue practising, your command of the language will increase beyond your expectations. Test yourself by trying to speak Welsh with every Welsh man or woman or child you meet. Only the ignorant will laugh at your mistakes: you will find that hundreds will prove sympathetic and helpful. You can learn much by listening once you have mastered a good number of phrases: thus you can learn how to correct your own faults and eliminate traces of the English accent. 5
Welsh-born people who have not learned the language of their forefathers will find this work useful as a help to acquire a knowledge of Welsh which will enable them to enter more fully into the life of their fellow-countrymen. A few colloquial and dialectal forms have been included in these examples. There is a Northern Welsh and a Southern Welsh, and there are distinct variants of speech in Wales, but there are no class variants in every district as in England.
6
THE ALPHABET (YR ABIEC) CONSONANTS AND VOWELS AND THEIR SOUNDS
H E learner should not have much difficulty in proT nouncing the consonants and the vowels in the correct Welsh style. Welsh is written almost quite phonetically; each alphabetical sign - except Y - has only one standard sound. Only the consonants CH and LL represent sounds not found in English. C, G, S and TH are always hard. The only consonants which are doubled are Nand R. The letters, J, K, V, X and Z never occur in purely Welsh words. The vowels have each a long and a short sound (the long sound is marked thus: A ). There are no silent letters in the Welsh alphabet, which is as follows:A B C CH D DD E F FF G NG H I L LL M N 0 P PH R RH S T TH U W Y
THE CONSONANTS (Y CYTSEINIAID) The following consonants are sounded as in English:B, D, L, M, P, T.
C-is always hard like the English "k"; it is never soft like the "c" in "race." CH-a guttural sound as in the Scottish "loch", never like "eh" in "charm". DD-has the sound of 'th" in "this," never as the "dd" in "add," or the "th" in "myth." F-the same sound as the English "f" in "of," and the "v" in "van." FF-as the "ff" in "afford," or the "f" in "fan:' G-always hard as in "golf," never soft as in "germ."
N G-nasal as in "wing" (there are a few instances of the Welsh NG having the same sound as the "ng" in ccanger, " e.g. B angor. ) H-aspirate as in the English "hard." LL-not a double "I"; it is a Welsh sound which can be acquired by placing the tip of the tongue at the back of the top teeth and emitting the breath sharply on both sides of the tongue without producing any voice from the throat. (Some English-speaking people have tried to reproduce the Welsh LL by pronouncmg it like the English "th" as in "thin," but "Pwthelley" does not sound like the Welsh Pwllheli.) PH-has the same sound as the "ph" in "phrase," or the Welsh FF. RH-a trilled R followed quickly by the aspirate. TH-as in "thanks," never as in "thou."
THE VOWELS (Y LLAFARIAID) A-long as in "have," or short as in "hat"; never as in "gate." E-Iong as the "a" in "made," or short as in "get." I-long as in "marine," or short as in "fit." O-long as in "note," or short as in "rot." U-is similar to the "i" in "it," or the "s: in "hymn"; never as "u" in "union" or "tune." W-Iong as the "00" in "food," or short as in "took." Y-the 'clear' sound is like that of the "y" in "hymn"; the 'obscure' sound resembles the English "u" in "fun" and "curve:' In South Wales U and the 'clear' Y are pronounced like the Welsh I or the English "ee" (as in "meet"). W and I are also consonants. corresponding respectively to "w" in "with," and "y" in "yet,"
8
DIPHTHONGS (DEUSEINIAID) RISING DIPHTHONGS with the consonantal element coming first: - lA, lE, 10, lW, WA, WE, WI, WO, WY. FALLING DIPHTHONGS with the consonantal element coming second:-AE, AI, El, EU, AW, EW, OW, lW, YW, WY, OE, 01, OU. Of the rising diphthongs, only WY is likely to prove difficult. It can have two sounds when W is consonantal -like "wi" in "wind," and like "wo" in "world." When WY is a falling diphthong, its sound may be imitated by pronouncing the two syllables "00" "ee" as a monosyllable, e.g., "ooee", A similar sound is to be found in the English "wooing." THE ACCENT (YR ACEN) Welsh words are generally accented on the last syllable but one-on the penultimate syllable-as in the following English words (the accent ' follows the syllable to be stressed): -"Meas'ure," "contin'ue," "pronuncia'tion." Some Welsh words have the last syllables accented, e.g., Dramdu (dramas), ystwr (stir), efe (he, him). USEFUL WORDS (GEIRIAU DEFNYDDIOL) The following lists of useful words dealing with Food and Drink (Bwyd a Diad) will be found convenient for consultation (Welsh equivalents in italics; pronunciation in brackets):-
Apple-Afal (Ah'val). Bacon-Baewn (Back/con). Banana-Banana (Banan'a). Beans-Ffd (Fah). Beef-Biff (Beef). Beer-Cwrw (Koor'oo).
Boiled egg-Wy wedi ei [enui (Oo-ee woody eye ver'wee). Bread-Bam (Barr'ah). Bread and Butter-Brech· dan (Braych'dan). Butter-Ymenyn (Um-en'n).
9
Buttermilk-Llaeth Ennwyn (Llah-ith Enn'win). Cabbages-Bre.rych, or Cabaits (Bres'eech, Cab'h). Cake-Teisen (Ties'en). Carrots-Moron (More'on). Cheese-Caws (Kaws). Cherries-Ceirios (Keyer'· iosh). Chicken-Cyw [ar (Kew Yaar). Cocoa-Coeo (Koko). Coffee-Co/fi (Coff'ee). Crab-Crane (Krank). Cream-Rufen (Heev'en). Eel-Slywen (Slew'en). Egg-Wy (Oo-ee). Fish-Pysgod (Push/god). Fried egg-Wy wedi ei fJrio (Oo-ee weddyeye free'oh). Fruit-Ffrwyth (Ffroo-eeth). Gooseberries-G w s b e r i s (Kooshberries.) Haddock-Radog (Had'dogg). Hare-Ysgyfarnog (Usk-uvar'nog). Herrings-Penwaig (Pen'-
Mackerel-Mecryll (Meek'reell). Meat-Cig (Keeg). Milk-Llaeth or Liefnth (Llah-ith or Llev-rith). Mutton-Cig Dafad (Keeg Dav'ad). Orange-Oren (Or'ane). Pears-Gellyg (Gell'igg). Peas-Pys (Peas). Pie-Pastaz (Pasr'aye). Plaice-Lleden (LIed'en). Plums-Eirin (Eye'rin). Pork-Pore (Pork), or Gig Moeh (Keeg Moch). Potatoes-Tatw (Tat'oo). Pudding-Pwdin (Pood'in). Rabbit-Cwningen (Koon ing'en). Raspberries-Mafon (Mav' on). Rice-Reis (Rice). Salad-Salad (Sal'ad). Salt-Halen (Hall/en). Sausage-Seisig (Sie'sigg). Soup-Gawl (Kawl). Strawberries-Mefus (Me' wyge). vis). Stew-Lobs Gows Sugar-Siwgwr (Shoe'goor) Irish (Lobbs Kows). Tea-Te (Tay). Jam-Jam (jam.) Toast-Tost (Toast). Lamb-Gig Oen (Keeg Oin), Tomato-Tomato (Tomat'o) Leeks-Gcnnin (Ken'in). Veal-Gig Llo (Keeg LIo). Lemon-Lemon (Lem'on). Vegetables-Llysiau (Llush'Lemonade-Diod Lemon ee-ay). Whisky-Ghwisgi (Chweesk' (Dee'od Lem'on). Lettuce-Letys (Lett'ish). ey). Loaf-Torth (Torth). Wine-Gwin (Gween). Lobster-Cimwch (Kim'ooch).
to
TIME (AMSER) A second-Eiliad (Isle'iad), A minute-Munud (Min'id). An hour-Awr (Ah-oor). Hours-Oriau (Ore'ee-aye). A day-Dydd (Dedd).
Days-Dyddiau (Dudd'ee-aye). A week-Wythnos (Oo-eeth'nose). A fortnight-Bythefnos (Buth-ev'nose). A month-Mis (Mees). A year-Blwyddyn (Bloo-idd'in).
Years-Blynyddoedd (Blun-udd'oedd). Century-Canri! (Kanr'eev). Centuries-Canrifoedd (Kanreev'oedd). Morning-Bore (Bor'eh). Noon-Canol dydd (Kan'ol Deedd). Afternoon-Pnawn (Pnown). Evening-Hwyr (Hoo-eer). Night-Nos (Nose). Half an hour-Hanner awr (Hann'er Ah-oor). A quarter of an hour-Chwarter awr (Choo-art/er ah-oor), Three quarters of an hour-Tr; chwarter awr (Treechoo-art'er ah-oor). 11
Day before yesterday-Echdoe (Ech-d'oy), Yesterday-Doe or Ddoe (Doy or Ddoy). Today-Heddiw (Hedd'you). Tomorrow-Yfory (Uv-or'ee), The day after tomorrow-Drennydd (Drain'eedd). The following day-Drannoeth (Dran'oith). DAYS OF THE WEEK (DYDDIAU'R WYTHNOS) Monday -Dydd Llun (Deedd Lleen). Tuesday -Dydd Mawrth (Deedd Mourth). Wednesday-Dydd Mercher (Deedd Merch'er). Thursday -Dydd Iau (Deedd Ee-aye), Friday -Dydd Guiener (Deedd Gwen'er). Saturday -Dydd Sadwrn (Deedd Sad/corn). Sunday -Dydd Sui (Deedd Seel). MONTHS OF THE YEAR (MISOEDD Y FLWYDDYN) January -Ionawr (Ee-on'awr), February -Chwefror (Choo-evr'oar). -Mawrth (Mourth). March -Ebrill (Ebr'eell). April May -Mai (My). June -Mehefin (May-hev'in), July -Gorffennaf (Gor-ffen'ave). -Awst (Aoost). August September -Medi (Maid'ee). October -Hydref (Huddr'ev). November -Tachwedd (Tach'waidd). December -RhagfYr (Rag-vir). 12
MONEY (ARIAN)
ld.-Dimai (Dim'aye). Id.-Ceiniog (Kein'iog). 2d.-Dwy Geiniog (Doo-ee Gein'iog). gd.-Tair Ceiniog (Tayr Kein'iog). 4d.-Grot (Groat). sd.-Pum Ceiniog (Pim Kein'iog). 6d.-C hwecheiniog (Chwa y-chein'iog). 7d.-Saith Geiniog (Sayth Gein'iog). 8d.-Wyth Geiniog (Oo-ith Gein'iog). gd.-Naw Ceiniog (Naw Kein'iog). lod.-Deg Ceiniog (Degg Kein'iog). Ild.-Un-geiniog-ar-ddeg (Een-gein'iog-arr-ddegg). 1 jo.-Swllt (Zoollt). 1 jg.-Pymtheg Ceiniog (Pumth'egg Kein'iog). 1 j6.-Deunaw Ceiniog (Dine-'aw Kein'iog). 2 jo.-Deuswllt (Die'zoollt). 2 j6.-Hanner Coron (Hann'er Kor'on), 5jo.-Coron (Kor'on). lOjo.-Chweugain (Choo-ayg'ine). £I.-Punt (Pint, rhyming with "mint"). Change-New id (Nehw'eed). Coppers-Arian Cochion (Arian Koch'ion). Silver-Arian Gwynion (Ar'ian Gwynn'ion). Pound Note-Papur Punt (Pap'eer Pint). Five-Pound Note-Papur pumpunt (Pap'eer pim'pint). Cheque-Siec (Shee-eck).
13
Ten Shilling Note-Papur Chweugain (Pap'eer chooayg'ine). Bank-Banc (Bank). Bill-Bil (Bill). Gold-Aur (Ayere). Correet-Cywir (Kow'eer). Wrong-Rang (Rong). Mistake-Camgymeriad (Kam-gum-er'iad).
NUMBERS (RH/FAU) I-Un (Een). 2-Dau (feminine, Dwy) (Dai, Doo-ee), 3-Tri (feminine, Tair) Tree, Tiere). 4-Pedwar (fem., Pedair) (Paid'war, Paid'eyere). 5-PumP (Pimp), Pum' (Pim) when preceding a noun. 6-Chwech (Chwaych). 7-Saith (Sayth). 8-Wyth (Oo-ith), g-Naw (Nah-oo). lO-Deg (Daig). ll-Un-deg-un (Een-daig-een). 12-Deuddeg (Day-ddaig) or Un-deg-dau (Een-daig-dai). 13-Un-deg-tri (Een-daig-tree), 14-Un-deg-pedwar (Een-daig-paid'war). Is-Un-deg-pump (Een-daig-pimp). 18-Un-deg-chuiech (Een-daig-chwaych).
14
17-Un-deg-saith (Een-daig-sayth), 18-Un-deg-wyth (Een-daig-oo-ith), 19-Un-deg-naui (Een-daig-naw). ~o-Ugain (Eeg'ine). z i-s-Dau-ddeg-un (Dai-ddaig-een). u-Dau-ddeg-dau (Dai-ddaig-dai), 23-Dau-ddeg-tri (Dai-ddaig-tree). 24-Dau-ddeg-pedwar (Dai-ddaig-paid'war). 2s-Dau-ddeg-pump (Dai-ddaig-pimp). 26-Datvddeg-chwech (Dai-ddaig-chwaych), 27-Dau-ddeg-saith (Dai-ddaig-sayth). ~8-Dau-ddeg-wyth (Dai-ddaig-oo-ith). 29-Dau-ddeg-naw (Dai-ddaig-naw). 30-Tri Deg (Tree daig) or Deg-ar-hugain (Daig-arheeg'ine). 31-Tri-deg-un (see above). 40-Deugain (Dai-gine) or Pedwar Deg (see above). so-Banner Cant (Hann'er Kant) or Deg4-deugain (Daig-ah-dai'gine). 60-Trigain (Tree'gine) or Chwe Deg (Choo-eh Daig). 7o-Saith deg (Sayth Daig), or Deg-a-thrigain (Daig-ahthreeg'ine). 80-Wyth Deg (Oo-ith Daig) or Pedwar Ugain (Paid'war eeg'ine). 90-Naw Deg (Naw Daig) or Deg a Phedtaar Ugain (Daig-ah-ffaid'war-eeg'ine).
15
loo-Cant (Kant). 2oo-Dau Cant (Dai Gant). 30o-Tri Chant (Tree Chant), etc. 50o-Pum Cant (Pim Kant). l,ooo-Mil (Meal). 2,ooo-Dwy Fit (Doo-ee Veal), etc. l,ooo,ooo-Miliwn (Mill'ee-oon). The First-Y Cyntaf (Uh Kunt'av). The Second-Yr Ail (Urr Isle). The Third-Y Trydydd (Uh Trud'idd). The Fourth-Y Pedwerydd (Uh Ped-wear'idd). The Fifth-Y Pumed (Uh Pim'aid). The Sixth-Y Chweched (Uh Choo-ech'aid). The Seventh-Y Seithfed (Uh Sayth-vaid). The Eighth-Yr Wythfed (Urr Oo-ith'vaid), The Ninth-Y Nawfed (Uh Now'vaid). The Tenth-Y Degfed (Uh Daig'vaid). SENTENCES AND PHRASES (BRAWDDEGAU) These exercises are intended mainly for study and practice, but they should also prove convenient for reference (pronunciation in brackets):GREETINGS (CYFARCHIADAU) Good Good Good Good
morning.-Bore da (bor'eh €la). afternoon.-Pnawn da (pnown da). evening and Good night.-Nos da (nose dei). day.-Dydd da (Deedd da). 16
Good health I-Iechyd da! (Eeach'id da l ). Goodbye.-Da bo'ch chwi (Dah boch chee). Farewell.-Ffarwel (Farr'well). Do you understand English?-A ydych chwi'n deall Saesneg? (A udd'eech cheen day'all Size-negg?). I'll try and speak in Welsh.-Fe dreiaf siarad yn Gymraeg (Veh dry'av see-are'ad un Gum-raig). Will you help me?-A wnewch chwi fy helpu? (Ab nehooch chee vu help'ee?). Would you mind saying it a little slower?-A wnewch chwi dduieud hynyna yn fw-y amf? (Ah neh-ooch chee ddied hin-unna un voo-ee are-avr). Thanks.-Diolch (dee'-olch). Thank you.-Diolch i chwi (dee'-olch ee chwee). How are you?-Sut yr ydych chwi? (Sit urr ud'uch chwee?). Congratulations. - Llongyiarchiadau (LIon - guv - arch iad'aye). With pleasure.-A phleser (Ah flesh'er). Excuse me.-Maddeuwch i mi (Madday'ooch ee me). Beg your pardon.-Maddeuwch i mi or Mae'n ddrwg gennyf (My'n ddroog gen'iv). Please.-Os gwelwch chwi'n dda (Os goo-el'ooch cheen dda).
What! You here!-Beth! Y chwi ymal (Beth! Y chee uh'ma!). I hope you are well.-Gobeithiaf eich bad yn iach (Gobayth'ee-ave eych bode un ee-ach). How's everybody?-Sut y mae pawb yma? (Sit y my pa-oob ym'ah?).
17
It's a nice day.-Mae'n ddiwrnod brat (My'n ddeoorn/odd brav). How are you today?-Sut mae hi heddiw? (Sit may he hedd'you ?). It is a wet day.-Mae'n ddiwrnod gwlyb (My'n ddeeoorn'od gleeb). Do you think it will rain?-A ydych chwi'n meddwl y cawn law? (Ah udd'eech cheen medd/-ool uh kaun law?). Many happy returns. Llawer ohonynt (Lla-oo'er ohon'int). Merry Christmas.-Nadolig Llauien (N add-ol'igg Llaoo'en). Happy New Year.-Blwyddyn Newydd Dda (Bloo-idd'in Ne-oo'idd Dda). Don't mention it.-Popeth yn iaum (Popp'eth un yawn). [Other forms of greetings used in Welsh Wales when departing from a house or when parting with friends are: Wel, hwyl yn awr (Well, hoo-il un awre) and Tangnefedd (Tang-nev'dd).]
AT THE HOTEL (YN Y GWESTY) Good morning, sir.--Add "sir" to the first greeting on Page 16; Syr is the Welsh for "Sir" (pronounced thus: Surr). Can you put me up?-A oes gennych le i mi? (Ah oys gen'eech lay ee me?). What is the number of my room?-Beth yw rhif fy ystafell? (Beth you reeve vuh ustav'ell?). [To understand an affirmative reply to this question, see NUMBERS (Page 14).] 18
Please show me the way to it.-Os gwelweh ehwi'n dda ddangos y flordd i mi (Os goo-el'ooch cheen dda ddang'os uh ffordd ee me). Will you send to the station for my luggage?-Wnewch chwi an/on i'r stesion am /y mhaeiau? (Ne-ooch chee anv'on eer station am vy mac'eay?). I understand a little Welsh.-Yr wyl yn deall yehydig 0 Gymraeg (Er oo-iv un day'all ych-yd'ig oh Gymr'aig). Do you understand me?-Ydyeh ehwi'n 11 neall i? (Uhd'ych chwee'n vy nay'all ee?). Please do not speak so fast.-Os gwelwch ehwi'n dda, peidiweh a siarad mor g;yflym (Os goo-el'ooch chwee'n dda, payd'ee-ooch ah see-are'add more guvl'im). Would you mind repeating it?-Wnewch chuii ddweud hynyna eto? (Neh-ooch chwee ddeh-id hin-yn'a et'o?). I don't understand you.-Nid wyl yn eich deall (Need oo-iv un eye-eh day'all). Have you a table d'hote (dinner, lunch)?-Oes gennyeh ginio? (Oys gen'uch geen'yoh?). At what time?-Pa amser? (Pah ams'er?). What is the price?-Beth yw'r pris? (Beth you're preece?) [See Pages 11 and 13 for list under TIME OF THE DAY and MONEY.] You you mind bringing me a spoon (knife, fork, plate) ?-Os gwelwch chuii'n dda a gal fi lwy (g;yllell, flore, bldt)? Os goo-ell'ooch chwee'n dda a gaav vee loo-ee (gull'ell, fork, blah-t)? Can I have coffee?-A gat fi goffi? (Ah gaav vee goffee?). White coffee.-Co[fi gwyn (Coff'ee goo-in). Black coffee.-Co[fi du (Coff'ee duh).
19
Have you got cheese and biscuits ?-A oes gennych gaws a biscedi? (Ah oys gen'-uch gouse ah bisk'edy?). A glass, please.-Glas, os gwelwch yn dda (Glas, os gooell'ooch un dda), A glass of water, please.-Glasaid 0 ddwr, os ~elwch chuii'n dda (Glass'ide oh ddoor, os goo-ell'ooch un dda), A glass of beer.-Glasaid 0 gwrw (Glass'ide 0 goor'ooh). Is breakfast ready?-A ydyw'r brecwast yn barod? (Ah udd'ew'r break'wast un bar'odd?). Is there a letter for me?-A oes yna lythyr i mi? Ah oys un'ah luh-th'yrr ee me?). Nothing more, thank you.-Dim ychwaneg, diolch (Deem uch-wan'egg, dee'olch). I enjoyed it very much.-Fe'i mwynheais yn gampus (Vie mooh-in-heh'-ayes un gamp'is). Could I have some writing paper, envelopes and ink?A allwn i gad papur sgrifennu, amlenni ac inc? Ah all'oon ee gael pap'ir sgreevenn'y, amlenn'y ak ink?). When does the Post go from here?-Pa bryd yr a'r Post oddi yma? (Pah breed urr are Post odd'ee umm'ah?). Where is the Post Office?-Ple mae'r Llythyrdy (or Post)? (Play my'r Lluh-thir'deeP). [There are no good Welsh equivalents for "Postal Order" and "Money Order. "l Are there many things worth seeing here?-Oes yma lawer 0 bethaa gwerth eu gweled? (Oys umm'a law'er oh beth'aye goo-erth eye goo-el'edd?). Any interesting old churches?-Hen eglwysi diddorol? (Hen egloo-ees'ee dee-ddor'ol P). How far is it from here?-Pa mor bell yw oddi yma? (Pah more bell you odd'ee umm'a?).
20
How many miles? - Pa sawl millti1'? (Pah sah-ool meellt'eer?). Is it possible to go there by train?-A ellir mynd yno gyda'r tren? (Ah ell'eer m-ind unn'o geed'are train?). When do the buses gO?-Pa bryd y mae'r 'buses' yn mynd? (Pah breed uh my'r buses un meend?). Let me have the bill.-A gat Ii'r bil? (Ah gaav vee'r bill?) Will you call me at eight?-Wnewch chwi fy ngalw am wyth? (Onn-euch chee vu ngal'oo am ooeeth?).
AT THE POST OFFICE (YN Y LLYTHYRDY) Telegram form, please.-Ffu1'flen telegram} os gwelwch yn dda (Ffeervl'en telegram, os goo-ell'ooch un dda), How much will it be for sending that?-Faint fydd am an/on hwnyna? (Va-int veedd am anv'on hoon-un'a?). A penny stamp, please.-Stamp ceiniog, os gwelwch yn dda (Stamp kayn'iog, os goo-ell'ooch un dda). A three-halfpenny stamp.-Stamp ceiniog-a-dimai (Stamp kayn'iog-ah-dim'aye). How much will it cost to post this parcel?-Faint a gyst hi i an/on y parsel hwn? (V-int ab gist he ee anv'on uh pars'ell hoon?).
ASKING THE WAY (HOLl AM Y FFORDD) Does this road lead to . . . . ?-A ydyw'r fJo1'dd hon yn mynd i . . . . ? (Ah udd'you're ffordd hon un meend ee .... ?).
Which is the shortest way to . . . . ?-Prun yw'1' fJordd gyntaf i .... ? (Preen you're ffordd gint'av ee .... ?). Do I go straight on?-A ddylwn fynd ymlaen ar fy union? (Ah ddull'oon v-ind uml/ah-in arr vuh in'ion?). 21
How far is it?-Pa mor bell ydyw? (Pah more bell udd/you P). Do buses go this way?-A oes 'buses' yn mynd ar y fJordd hon? (Ah oys 'buses' un meend arr uh ffordd hon?). ?-Fedrwch chwi dduieud Can you tell me the way to wrthyf pa fJordd i fynd i ? (Ved'rooch chwee ddoo-eud oorth'ive pah ffordd ee veend ee .... ?). Am I on the road that leads to . . . . ?-A wyf fi ar y fjordd iawn i .... ? (Ah oo-ive vee arr uh ffordd iah-oon ee ...• ?). Does this bus go to .... ?-Ydyw'r bws hwn yn mynd i .... ? (Udd'you're bush hoon un meend ee ?). Will you please tell me when we are at ?-Wnewch chwi ddweud wrthyf pan fyddwn yn ? (Ne-ooch chwee ddoo-eud oorth-ive pan vudd'oon un ?). ? (Tok'in een Single to .... ?-Tocyn un fJordd i ffordd ee . . . . ?). Return to .... ?-Tocyn mynd a dod i .... ? (Tok/in meend ah doad ee . . . . ?). What is this place calIed?-Beth yw enw y lle hwn? (Beth you en'oo uh lIe hoon?). Which way should I turn at the cross-road?-Pa fjordd y dylwn droi ar y groesfJordd? (Pah ffordd uh dull'oon droy arr uh grois'ffordd?). To the right or to the left?-I'r dde ynteu i'r chwith? (Ear ddey unt'ay ear chweeth?). Is this the house I want?-Ai hum yw'r ty a geisiaf? Aye honn you're tee ah geyes'iave?). Is Mr. Jones in?-A yw Mr. [ones i mewn? (Ah you Mr. Jones ee mewn?). On which side of the road is it?-Ar ba ochr i'r fjordd y mae? (Arr bah och'or ear ffordd uh my?).
This side?-Yr ochr hon? (Urr och'or hon?). Oh, on the other side?-O, ar yr ochr arall? (Oh, arr urr och'or are'all ?). I am very grateful to you.-'Rwyf yn ddiolchgar iawn i chwi (Rooiv un dde-olch'gar iah-oon e chwee).
The first turning to the right.-Y tro cyntaf i'r dde (Uh tro kunt'av ear chweeth). Must I cross the river?-A raid i mi groesi'r afon? (Ah rah-id ee me grois'ey're av'on?). Over a bridge?-Dros bont? (Dross bont?). Is there a steep hill on the way?-Oes yna riw serth ar y Uordd? (Ods unn'ah rue serth arr uh ffordd?). What is the name of this church?-Beth yw entu'r eglwys hon? (Beth you en'oo're egl'oo-is hon?). When do the buses leave for . . . . ?-Pryd Y bydd Y 'buses' yn gadael am .... ? (Preed uh beedd uh 'buses' un gad'ail am .... ?). I would like to know where Mr. Evans lives: -Hoffwn wybod ple y mac Mr. Evans yn byw (Hoff'oon weeb'od play uh my Mr. Evans un bew). Do you know a person of that name?-A aduiaenuich chwi ddyn o'r enw yna? (Ah adwain'ooch chwee ddeen or en'oo unn'a?). Can you direct me to this house?-A ellwch chwi fy nghyfarwyddo i'w dy? (Ah ell'ooch chwee vuh nghuv-arrooee-dd/o you dee?).
23
ASKING ABOUT THE FAMILY (HOLl AM Y TEULU) How is your father?-Sut y mae eich tad? (Sit uh my eye-eh taad?). And your mother?-A'ch mam? (Ach mam?). Is your sister well?-Ydyw eicn chuiaer yn iach? (U d/you eye-eh chwair un iaach ?). I hope that your brother is better.-Gobeithiaf fad eich brawd yn well (Gobeyth'iave fod eye-eh braood un well). I am very well, thanks.-Yr wyf fi'n dda iawn, diolch (Urr oo-iv veen dda yawn, dee'olch). I am very sorry to hear that.-Mae'n ddrwg iaum gennyf glywed hynyna (Mine ddroog yawn genn'iv glow'ed hinurr'a).
I hope I am not causing you any inconvenience.Gobeithiaj nad wyf yn peri trafferth i chwi (Gobeyth'iave nadd oo-iv yn perr'y traff'erth ee chwee). May I see him?-A gat fi ei weled? (Ah gaav vee eye wel'ed?). Oh, how are you?-O, sut yr ydych chwi? (Oh, sit urr ud'eech chwee?). I am quite well, thank you.-Yr wyf yn dda iawn, diolch (Ur oo-iv un dda yawn, dee'olch). Remember me to your son.-Cofiwch (Kov'ee'ooch vee at eyech maab).
fi at eich mab
And how is your daughter?-A sut y mae eich merch? (Ah sit uh my eyech mer-ch?). 24
IN THE SHOP (YN Y SlOP) What is the price of this?-Beth yw pris hwn? (Beth you preece hoon ?). May I have a look at that book?-A gat yna? (Ah gaav vee weld uh llevr unn'ah?). Have your got .. " genn'eech .... ?). I want to buy eye'shy prunn'ee
fi weld y llYfr
?-A oes gennych .... ? (Ah oys -Mae arnai eisiou prynu (My arn'av ).
Where could I get it?-Ple y gallwn ei gael? (Play uh gall'oon eye gad?). Do you sell . . . . ?-A ydych yn gwerthu . . . . ? (Ah udd'ech un goo-erth'ee .... ?). How much do you want for this?-Faint sy ernoch chwi eisiau am hwn? (Veye'nt see arn'och chwee eyes'eye am hoon?). I wanted a cheaper quality.-'Roeddwn i'n meddwl am un rhatach (Roydd oon een medd'ool am een rat'ach). A pound of flour.-Pwys
flawd (Pooh-is oh vlaud).
0
Half a pound of butter.-Hanner pwys (Hann'er pooh-is oh um-en'in).
0
ymenyn
A quarter pound of lard.-Chwarter Pwys 0 lard (Chooart'er pooh-is oh lard). A dozen candles.-Dwsin gan-oo-ill'ay).
0
ganhwyllau (Does-in oh
Half a dozen eggs.-Hanner dwsin doos'in oh oo-ee-ay).
25
0
wyau (Hann'er
A packet of salt.-Paced a halen (Pack'eel oh hal'en). A bundle of firewood.-Bwndel a briciaa (Boond'el oh brick'ay). A tin of salmon.-Tun samon (Tin sam'on). A writing pad.-Pad sgrifennu (Pad sgreeven'uh). A packet of envelopes.-Paced am-len'ee). A gallon of petrol.-Galwyn betrol).
0
betrol (Gal-oo-in oh
0
A quart of buttermilk.-Chwart art oh Iah-ith en'win).
A pint of vinegar.-Peint
amlenni (Pack-ed oh
0
0
laeth ennwyn (Choo-
finegr (Paynt oh vin-egr).
A yard of ribbon.-Llathen ribb'an). A foot of silk.-Troedfedd sid'an).
0
0
ruban (Llaath'en oh sidan (Troid'vedd oh
A ball of twine.-Pelen
0
A pair of boots.-par
sgidiau (Par oh sgid'iay).
0
A pair of stockings.c-Pd-
linyn (Pell'en oh lin'in).
0
sanau (Par oh san'ay).
What is the price of that shirt?-Beth yw pris y crys na? (Beth you preece uh krees un'ah?). This is too small.-Mae hum yn rhy fach (My hoon un ree vach). This is too big.-Mae hum yn rhy fawr (My hoon un ree vaur). 26
May I try that on.-A gat dryo hoon'ah ?).
fi dreio humnai (A gaav
I will take it with me.-At ag geed'ah me).
et
vee
gyda mi (Ave ag ev
ON THE FARM (AR Y FFERM) Could you sell me a glass of milk?-A allech chwi uierthu gla.said 0 lefrith i mi? (Ah all'ech choo-ee werth'uh glass'ide oh lev'rith ee mee ?). And a slice of bread and butter?-A brechdan? (Ab brech'dan?). Have you any eggs to sel1?-A oes gennych wyau i'w gwerthu? (Ah oys gen'eech oo-ee-ay you gwerth'uh?). May I have your permission to camp in that field?-A gat fi eich caniatad i gampio ar y cae yna? (Ah gay vee eyech kan-iar'ad ee gamp'io ar y kaye un'ah ?). How much will the rent be?-Faint fydd y rhent] (Vaint veedd uh rent?). Can we carry water from the wel1?-A gawn ni gludo diVr o'r ffynnon? (Ah gaun nee gludd'o doo-r or ffun'on?). How far is it from here to the nearest village?-Pa mor bell yw hi i'r pentret agosaf? (Pah more bell you he eer pent'rev agos'av?). Is the nearest town very far?-A ydyw'r dref agosaf ymhell iawn? (Ah ud'you're drev agos'av um-mell yawn?). Three fresh eggs, please.-Tri wy fires, os gwelwch chwi'n dda (Tree oo-ee fresh, os gwelooch chee'n ddah).
27
STOCK PHRASES The following colloquial phrases in the North Wales and the South Wales dialects will be found useful:N.
S. WALES
WALES
Sut mae hi heddiw? (Sit my he heth'you?)
Sut ych chi heddi? (Sit ich chee heth'ie?)
[Meaning: How are you today?] Dwad i fyny. (Doe-add ee vun'ee.)
Dod lan. (Dode Ian.)
[Coming uP] Mynd mas, (Meenn'd maas.)
Myndallan. (Meenn'd all'ann.)
[Going out] Mynd i flwrdd (Meenn'd ee foorth.)
Mynd bant. (Meenn'd bant.)
[Going away] Ydach chi'n dwad? (Udd'ach cheen doo'add?)
Ych chi'n dod? (Eech cheen dode?)
[Are you coming?] Dowch at y bwrdd. (Dowch at uh boorthe.)
Dere at y ford. (Dere at uh vord.)
[Come to the table] Dowch efo mi, (Dowch evo me.)
Dere gyda mi, (Dere geeda me.) Or Dere gen i. (Dere gen ee.)
[Come with me1
28
Allan a thi! (AhIl'an ah thee!)
Mas a thi! (Ma's ah thee!) rOut you go!]
Ga' i fynd allan? (Gah ee vinde ah-Il'an?)
Gaf fi fynd ma's? (Gav vee feend maas?)
[May I go out?]
Mae hi'n oer. (Mah heen oir.)
Ma hi'n oer. (Mah heen oir.) [It is coldl
Mae hi'n gynnes. (Mah heen gun'es.)
Mae hi'n dwym. (Mah heen doo'im.) [It is warm]
Dowch yma. (Dowch uh'ma.)
Dere yma. (Derre uh'ma.) [Come here]
Tua milltir oddi yma. 'Boitu milltir o'r fan hyn, (Tu'ah meellr'eer othe'um'- (Boy'tee meelt'eer or van ah.) hinn.) [About a mile from herel Fe ddof 'rwan. (Veh thove roo'an.)
Deuaf 'nawr. (Die'av naoor.) [I'll come now]
P'le mae o? (Play ma oh?)
B'le ma fe? (Blay ma veh?) [Where is he?]
Dos i nol dWr. Cer i moyn dWr. (Dose ee nole dour.) (Kerr ee moeen dour.) [Go and fetch water]
29
FOR HIKERS AND CYCLISTS (I HE1CWYR A SE1CLWYR) Where is the nearest hostel?-Ple mae yr hostel agosaf? (Play mahee urr hostel aggos'ave?) Is there a path over the hill?-A oes llwybr dros y bryn? (Ah oiz llooi'br drosh uh brin?). Will you let us camp in this field?-A gawn ni gampio yn y cae hwn? (Ah gahoon nee gamp'io unn uh kaye hoon?)
Where is the nearest well?-P'le mae'r fJynnon agosaf? (Play mahrr fynn'on aggos'ave?). Which is the quickest road to .... ?-P'run yw'r fJordd gyntaf i .... ? (Preen you're forth gunt'ave ee .... ?). Could you sell us some milk and eggs?-A ellwch chwi ioerthu llaeth ac wyau i ni? (Ah ell'ooch chee werthie llaeeth ack oo-ee-aye ee nee?). Is this a public path?-A ydyw hum yn llwybr cyhoeddus? (Ah udd'you hoon unn llooi'br ku'hoeeth'is?). Is it safe to bathe here?-A ydyw'n ddiogel i ymdrochi yma? (Ah udd'oun theeog'el ee umd'rochie ummah?).
30
NOTES (NODIADAU)
NOTES (NODIADAU)