A Journey Across Borders for Welsh Language Enthusiasm
A 47-year-old man from Sweden has made the long journey to Wrexham to take part in the National Eisteddfod. Martin Kondai, who has been learning Welsh for over a decade, is no stranger to the event. This marks his second visit, following a memorable experience in 2023. His passion for the language stems from a desire to master its nuances, especially after being inspired by the Elvish languages in The Lord of the Rings.
Kondai, who already speaks German, Swedish, and English, began learning Welsh 11 years ago. His initial attempts were through textbooks, but he quickly realized that pronunciation was an issue. During a trip to Wales, he attended three choir rehearsals, one entirely in Welsh. A member of the choir suggested the zaia newsBig Welsh Challenge, which he used for three years before enrolling in beginner classes at a Swedish university. However, the limited speaking time in those lessons posed a challenge for him.
Despite the obstacles, Kondai’s confidence grew with each visit to Wales. Unfortunately, the pandemic slowed his progress, but he continued learning through Duolingo and returned to Wales in August 2023 for the Boduan eisteddfod. He described the experience as transformative, saying it confirmed his desire to immerse himself further in the language and culture.
This year, Kondai has been studying with Coleg Cambria and volunteered as a steward for six days at the Eisteddfod. He also competed in the Open Solo for Learners on Thursday, showcasing his love for singing in Welsh. In addition, he attempted to write and record a Welsh album, calling it a challenging but rewarding endeavor. He praised the festival for its welcoming atmosphere, expressing excitement about returning next year.
First-Time Experiences at the Eisteddfod
For Kitty Mamers, this year’s Eisteddfod is her first visit. The 45-year-old, originally from Estonia, moved to Wales a year ago after living in London for 12 years. She started learning Welsh on Duolingo during lockdown and chose to settle in Broughton, Flintshire, to create a lifestyle that allowed her to use the language. Inspired by Estonia’s strong choir tradition, she joined the Eisteddfod Choir without fully understanding what the event entailed.
Since February, she has been rehearsing with the choir, preparing to compete on Friday. She also decided to volunteer for two days to gain a complete festival experience. Mamers described the event as “absolutely amazing,” noting the variety of activities and the energy of the crowd. She compared it to multiple festivals combined, highlighting how the Eisteddfod offers a unique blend of cultural experiences.
Similarly, Paige Morgan, originally from Seattle and now based in New Jersey, had her first Eisteddfod experience this year. She began learning Welsh as a child and rekindled her interest in 2016 by listening to Radio Cymru and using Duolingo. Although she has no Welsh heritage, her fascination with the language and culture deepened through music, lessons, and regular visits to Wales.
Morgan faced a setback last year when she broke her ankle, but she used the recovery period to immerse herself in Welsh, significantly improving her fluency. She humorously referred to this as “putting my language in a little TARDIS and jump-starting it.” This year, she competed in recitation and won the Stobstory competition at the festival. She described the experience as “fantastic” and plans to return next year, even considering renting a caravan on the Maes for some much-needed rest.
Cultural Significance and Future Prospects
The Eisteddfod continues to attract individuals from around the world, drawn by its rich cultural heritage and opportunities for language learning. From school teachers to actors and broadcasters, the festival serves as a platform for both personal growth and community engagement. It also raises questions about whether the event reflects modern Wales and how it can continue to evolve while preserving its traditions.
As more people like Kondai, Mamers, and Morgan embrace the Welsh language and culture, the Eisteddfod remains a vital hub for connection, creativity, and celebration. Whether through music, competitions, or volunteering, the festival offers something for everyone, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of Welsh identity.