Today, I went to Criccieth library. I wanted to borrow some children's beginner reader books - for myself.
It would be another chance to speak, I reasoned. And as I work as a librarian, I know how often people come to the library for a little chat. It is an important part of the service, as far as I am concerned. Today it was my turn to be on the receiving end.
I started with my opening line. Dw i ddim yn siarad Cymraeg yn dda iawn (i don't speak Welsh very well). Followed by: dw i'n dod o Awstralia - I come from Australia. For some reason, the later always gets a good response. I am not sure whether this is due to the sheer distance, and the complete unlikelihood of an Australian speaking Welsh, or a general perception of our low intelligence. Anyway, once I say that, people are ready to forgive all manner of errors.
The librarian was no exception. But whereas others in Criccieth, have often slipped into English. Or like the lady at the postoffice in Tremadog, they answer my Welsh questions, with a quizzical glance and an uncertain query of their own: do you want me to answer in Welsh.
The librarian was different. And although we often did slip into English, she was the one who kept steering the conversation back into Cymraeg. Altering her sentences, simplifying, adding opportunities, by asking me where I cane from, where I was staying, about my Welsh class in Melbourne, etc, etc. She wasn't being nosey, I can assure you. She just got it! Of course, I would expect nothing less from a fellow Llyfrygellydd.
Librarians Rock!