Diolch yn fawr to everyone who took part in our creative writing competition. We had an amazing response, with lots of entries received. The standard was exceptionally high.
The task was to write a creative piece inspired by one of three pictures associated with Nant Gwrtheyrn. Judge Myrddin ap Dafydd selected a winner from each category:
- Entry – Bethan Robinson
- Foundation – Sandy NicDhòmhnaill Jones
- Intermediate – Ken Snowball
- Advanced – Jonas Thungren Lindbärg
You can read the successful entries here and Myrddin’s comments on each piece (Welsh only).
It’s a pleasure to announce that the overall winner, selected from the strongest entries who will receive a £50 voucher, is Jonas Thungren Lindbärg from Sweden. His winning work was inspired by the image of the classroom.
Myrddin enjoyed the task, commenting: “The work was really good, with entries responding creatively to the images and this strange year. It was a difficult task to distinguish between the strongest entries for each level, but Jona’s is lyrical talent is remarkable. Congratulations to him and good luck to everyone with their future learning!”
The most remarkable thing about Jonas it that he hasn’t spoken a word of Welsh or has never sat in a classroom to learn the langue. This is what he had to say.
“I live in a small village called Filipstad in west Sweden. I started learning Welsh three and a half years ago and have been learning it wholeheartedly for the last two years.
This is the first time that I’ve tried writing something in Welsh. I’ve never actually spoken Welsh, but I understand it quite well, especially medieval Welsh as my interest in the languages started with my interest in history.
“I first started learning using Duolingo and them Say Something in Welsh, but I mostly learn through reading… I’ve read translations of Harry Potter and books by Ifan Morgan Jones and Manon Steffan Ross, also Llyfr Coch Hergest and some Taliesin poetry, which is challenging! I also watch some Welsh programmes (Craith, Bang, Un Bore Mercher) and listen to podcasts.
“I hope I can visit Wales soon and meet the people to get an opportunity to practice speaking the langauge.”
Congratulations Jonas and thank you to everyone who competed. Keep learning!