I have been using SaySomethingInWelsh for a few months now., and I am really enjoying the learning process. The method is fantastic but I have noticed I still struggle with speaking Welsh confidently in real-life situations. I understand the vocabulary and grammar for the most part but when it comes to using it in conversations, I freeze up.
I wanted to ask if anyone here has any tips or personal experiences on how to overcome this barrier. Do you have any advice on practicing speaking outside of the course: ?? I have tried speaking with family and friends, but sometimes I feel self-conscious.
I know that speaking more often is keyâŚ, but I am curious if anyone here has specific exercises or techniques that worked for them. How do you stay motivated to practice regularly, especially when progress seems slow: ??
That feeling of freezing is so familiar! I would go to say something, and it would be like everything is just wiped from my brain! Itâs completely normal not to feel confident at something you havenât been doing for very long.
I found a couple of things really useful - (1) holding a running commentary in my head of what I was doing during the day (or out loud, if youâre not likely to really annoy whoever you live/work with!) and (2) speaking only Welsh to my pets (who are not going to judge me or answer back). Thatâs a way of getting into the habit of speaking, without any jeopardy.
It also made Welsh feel like a normal part of everyday life, rather than something different that I was doing specially. I think sometimes the self-conscious feeling comes from a sensation that we are not being ourselves, somehow, when speaking another language. Once Iâd claimed the language as part of who I am things became a lot easier.
I think the biggest block to speaking confidence is that little nag in your head that tells you things like âdonât make mistakes/donât say something sillyâ, and that can be a very hard thing to ignore.
The thing is, though, those things actually help you learn - not letting mistakes get to you and laughing at daft things you accidently say are great tools for building confidence.
I know thatâs easier said than done, but if youâre aware of that subconscious ânagâ, you can eventually overcome it.
In addition to those excellent tips mentioned above, some I can give areâŚ
Listening to what the other person is saying is key - often you can use what theyâve said to help with your answer. If youâre so focused on thinking what youâre going to say before they finish speaking, youâll miss helpful clues in what they say.
Donât feel rushed to reply - take your time. Your speed will increase naturally the more you practice, so donât worry about leaving huge gaps while you think (you can always indicate to your speaking partner that you are going to answer in a moment)
If youâre completely lost for a word and canât wait any longer, slip the English in, but then make sure you go back to Welsh as soon as you can, even if this messes up the grammar a bit. There is no rule that says every conversation has to be 100% Welsh and 100% correct!