Hi folks,
I’d like to gather a bunch of generic meetup information in one place, and it seems a good way to start that is to acquire such information. As such - could people please share their opinions on any topics related to meetups. This includes things like:
What to think about if you’re arranging an SSi meetup
What to think about if you’re thinking of attending an SSi meetup as a confident learner
What to think about if you’re thinking of attending an SSi meetup as a not-very confident learner
What to think about if you’re a meetup-goer, and you know a new member will be attending
Things that’re fun to do at meetups (other than just siarad Cymraeg)
I can probably come up with some answers to some of these myself, but I’m absolutely confident that the combined might of SSiW experience is vastly smarter than I am, so please share your wisdom
What to think about if you’re arranging an SSi meetup
For the, Rochester meet-ups it was as simple as letting people feel free to use whatever Gymraeg they had; but not feel pressured to do so. We hav’nt had a set pattern: it’s just get a drink at the bar and talk about anything. Everyone who has attended has made huge forward steps by the next link-up.
What to think about if you’re thinking of attending an SSi meetup as a confident learner
I’m very conscious of trying to make everyone feel included. I know all to well the experience of learning a language, knowing that its floating around in my head, and yet when I open my mouth for the first time nothing pops out.
What to think about if you’re thinking of attending an SSi meetup as a not-very confident learner
Realising that everyone there has been in your shoes at some point.
What to think about if you’re a meetup-goer, and you know a new member will be attending
Offering them a drink - if they hav’nt already got one.
Things that’re fun to do at meetups (other than just siarad Cymraeg)
Each group is different of course. But ours is just about talking about anything - Cymru, rugby, football… popeth. No specific thing but we still have a load of laughs. Some of our socials have lasted up to six hours.
What to think about if you’re arranging an SSi meetup:
It may take a few tries to get your meetup (or even one meeting of your meetup) going, but dal ati because it will be worth it.
What to think about if you’re thinking of attending an SSi meetup as a confident learner:
We have been lucky to have some extremely confident learners as “regulars” (although we’re rather irregular in general). One of the things that has been helpful is when people speak Cymraeg and then provide a quick basic translation in Saesneg. Also, for those more confident, it is kind to gently engage those who are clearly unsure or afraid about jumping in. Also, it helps to be flexible with trying other patterns that convey a similar meaning, or even miming a la bootcamp.
What to think about if you’re thinking of attending an SSi meetup as a not-very confident learner
Don’t worry! Most people coming to a SSiW are going to share the SSiW philosophy, which is relaxed, casual, and fun. People are supportive, regardless of your level, and we all share a similar goal.
What to think about if you’re a meetup-goer, and you know a new member will be attending
Make an effort to engage the new member and make it clear that they would be a valued addition, even though it’s already an established group. Introduce yourself again, even if everyone else there may already know everything about you.
Things that’re fun to do at meetups (other than just siarad Cymraeg)
Two very kind members of our group cooked and hosted us at their homes. It was great in terms of getting to know each other a little better, I think. Also, one of them prepared bwyd traddodiadol, which was a cool experience since we are in the U.S.
It might also be fun to prepare/present a topic, such as a hobby or favorite film, and discuss yn Gymraeg.
In Leeds we found that just meeting to speak Welsh was fine at first but that as the group grew those in the earlier stages were missing out and the competent Welsh speakers had little opportunity at an appropriate level.
Also we felt that we needed to be saying less about Welsh and more in Welsh. So this year we have had a structure to each meeting.
Each meeting still has time built-in for a natter.
Each meeting has included a game. This gets everyone involved and using Welsh.
Each meeting has had a topic which is decided in advance so that those who wish to prepare something can do so. At the March meeting we each said a few things about what we saw of the eclipse. Whilst this widens everyone’s vocabulary it also restricts the range of new words so that the early learners are not swamped.
We are still feeling our way but having the structure is popular and seems to be achieving the changes we wanted. It’s just a case of adjusting the meeting to suit the purposes.
Thanks to the folks who’ve commented so far. Does anyone else have what they consider a successful meetup (either physical or virtual) and who’d like to offer their wisdom, please?
