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[AlexTigers]

I posted just over a month ago about having a bad experience using my Welsh. Well, here I am back again, and this time my experience couldn't be more different.

I have had my first real conversation in Welsh. Not just written on a forum or speaking to myself , but actually speaking to a native Welsh speaker!

I was nervous, and I stumbled over a few words, but it didn't matter. I really enjoyed it, the Welsh speaker was very positive and helpful and spoke very clearly for me. Such a great experience and I'm looking forward to the next one!

The only problem I encountered was that the person I was speaking to was from North Wales, whereas I have been doing the southern course, and she used some words I was unfamiliar with. I understood some things in context, although I did have to ask to clarify that "medru" was the same as "gallu".

Well, from here the only way is up!

[Wil-ab-Eynon]

Well done... I bet that put a smile on your face for the rest of the day

[Maynard]

well done Alex ! As you say the only way is up from now on. There's nothing more rewarding after all that training than communicating with a natural Welsh speaker, you'll certainly feel more confident now ! @yr iaith

[Tahl]

I have had my first real conversation in Welsh. Not just written on a forum or speaking to myself , but actually speaking to a native Welsh speaker!

I was nervous, and I stumbled over a few words, but it didn't matter. I really enjoyed it, the Welsh speaker was very positive and helpful and spoke very clearly for me. Such a great experience and I'm looking forward to the next one!

Now that's what we're talking about. Fantastic -- enjoy that helium-balloon, whee-this-actually-works feeling!

[Gruntius]

Great stuff, that's the sort of experience we're all here for. Well done.

All these little stories are an inspiration to the rest of us.

[Aran]

Llongyfarchiadau mawr!

What was the occasion? What inspired you to jump in? Well done for taking such a positive step, and I'm delighted you got such a worthwhile response...

[AlexTigers]

There wasn't an occasion as such. I just wanted to start using my Welsh! I met someone via Twitter, of all things, and we arranged a time to talk!

I think she was quite tickled that someone living in Greece wanted to learn Welsh - if she thinks this is far away, just wait till I tell her about the people in Australia!

[Aran]

There wasn't an occasion as such. I just wanted to start using my Welsh! I met someone via Twitter, of all things, and we arranged a time to talk!

Fantastic - that certainly sounds like jumping in at the deep end, chwarae teg i ti!...