Is radio Cymru better than S4C?

Welsh General / Questions
1

I can pick out a few words on Radio Cymru but I much prefer watching YFets on S4C without sub titles, so can this be my substitute for immersing myself in Welsh? I also watch Heno as well. Also, I have a book “Chwedlau Cymru I Ddysgwyr “ by Elaine Palfrey and I am enjoying reading the legends and increasing my vocabulary so I hope Aran approves of my efforts. I am trying not to translate back into English to help me think in Welsh, is this correct?

2 Likes
2

Of course. The best thing you can do is something you will enjoy, and will look forward to doing, whatever it may be.

I happen to be more of a radio person myself, but it’s all down to personal preferences, etc.
(I do watch S4C as well though, from time to time).

1 Like
3

As they are different forms of media, they both have their pros and cons.

I think where Radio Cymru is better is that you fact that you cannot rely on visual clues like shoulder nods, arm gestures and facial movements that sometimes give you a clue about what a word is, even if you don’t know it.

Then again, as @mikeellwood says, its going to be far more advantageous for you to watch something you enjoy on S4C, rather than feel like you’re forcing yourself through something you don’t enjoy on Radio Cymru.

2 Likes
4

I think it’s a matter of personal preference. Undoubtedly it is easier to pick up visual clues from TV than just have a stream of words from the radio, but don’t rule out listening to the radio - you may not think you’re picking much up, but the patterns and rhythms are soaking subconsciously and the more you hear*, the more they’ll do that until suddenly you’ll realise you have actually understood a bigger chunk without even trying.

  • I purposely say ‘hear’ instead of ‘listen’ because this happens even if the radio is on in the background and you’re not making a conscious effort to listen to it.

Reading is also great practice as long as it doesn’t completely replace speaking and listening practice - one way to increase its value would be to read out loud to yourself whenever you can.

Trying not to translate back into English does help you think in Welsh, and if you can do that you’re doing brilliantly :smiley:

The other thing you can do to help immerse yourself is get into the Welsh Speaking Practice Group on Slack - here you get the chance to speak to Welsh learners/speakers of all levels all over the world from wherever you happen to be (that is, if you haven’t already done that!). :smiley:

2 Likes
5

Send an email through to admin@saysomethingin.com if you’d like an invitation to join - it’s free and a great way to practise your Welsh!

1 Like
6

Thanks everyone, I don’t really like background noise but I will persevere with just my ten minutes of radio as well as my preferred media.

3 Likes
7

That’s the ticket - the radio is tougher, which makes it more valuable, but all and any extra stuff you do on top of that is a great bonus… :slight_smile:

1 Like