joto

It's not just the local language, it's the local accent, the slang, the local sayings and the speed it's said at. I'm Scottish and it takes me almost until it's time to come back here to get the hang of it all again. As in the USA, different parts of the UK have different accents, and it is difficult to understand some of them. Don't be afraid of asking people to repeat themselves if you didn't understand them the first time.

jaja

I used to have an elderly globetrotting friend (he has since taken the supreme adventure trip) who had been just about everywhere in the world and he once told me that "People in Scotland think they are speaking English but they aren't."

jaja

This is very off the subject, and flame me if you must, but a question for those of the Welsh persuasion.....your ancestors/ancestresses used "ap" and "ferch" as part of the patronymic. Using me as a example, Judy ferch Lloyd (my father's given name), would you refer to me in a genealogy program as [surname] ferch Lloyd, [given name] Judy, or would you use [surname] (blank), [given name] Judy ferch Lloyd?

Muchas gracias!

annhig

Don't over do it. Just talk really loud in the best accent you can up with.>>

on our first night in Rome, we were sat next to some Mexicans who thought that the best way to communicate with the waiters was to shout at them in spanish.

the funny thing was, it seemed to work!

tahl

Jaja: The standard modern form of address for a man is 'Mr. ap Lloyd,' if that helps you decide. I don't know how genealogists handle patronymic names.

jaja

Of course, if you speak English loudly enough and slowly enough, anyone should be able to understand you!

tahl, thanks for that. I am not having any luck with asking genealogists (either the answer has nothing to do with the actual question or I get a lecture about proving my sources) and you have added weight to my initial opinion.

PatrickLondon

As someone who studied indexing rather than genealogy: what matters is consistency and clarity, if necessary providing an introductory note outlining the principle you've adopted (the same applies to Mc/Mac names, for example - group them together or in strict alphabetical order?). If it's just for you, then do whatever you feel most comfortable with.

jaja

Thanks, Patrick. You are certainly right about the consistency. Clarity is a bit harder to come by, sometimes, but I'm trying.

Mucky

I'm glad that fridge magnet comes in handy Margo.
Keep practicing, at the end of the RWC your going to wish you were Welsh
The Welsh team left for NZ today. Took enough jam sandwiches and pop for a 6 week stay.

Not sure if the games are on Free TV, haven't checked. Whatever happens they will be on at times when I should be asleep.

Just emptied the car from our French trip. They like the Welsh over there. I met a sheep in France (as we do) and he had a very strong French accent, I couldn't understand a Baaa he said.


Muck

sheila

It's on ITV, Mucky.

palmettoprincess

Learning the Scots dialet is dangerous. You have got to practice talking with marbles in your mouth. The trick is learning whether the sylable requires you roll around the marble or forcefully spit it out.

margo_oz

@Patrick London:
>>Now - if only I had some idea of the tune...... I don't suppose it matters??<<

Well, yes, actually: it's one of the most roof-raising national song tunes I know:

I watched your clip - it is a great tune - however - I was really referring to my inability to carry any tune - in a bucket!

(and I am partially deaf - perhaps that's why the Scots couldn't understand me!)

Mucky

Just listened to the clip Patrick added.....Wonderful.
Raised the goosy pimplies on my neck.

Now Just imagine standing in the Millenium stadium with 75000 welshmen singing their hearts out. AND Catherine Jenkins joining in.

Now that is a great experience I can tell ya.

Muck

margo_oz

Saved from having to learn the Welsh anthem. Pity, though.....

alya

On the other hand? I totally missed this thread the first time round and have had a good chuckle.

Thank you all

eastenderusvi

As an update, I was able to get an iPhone app Welsh phrase book. You can listen to the speaker say: "Os gwelwch yn dda" over and over. Very handy. Diolch.

tahl

Da iawn ti! (Roughly, 'good job,' though the literal meaning is 'very good, you'.)

annhig

proper job!