Rally

I went to a rally for the Welsh language today, just a short bus ride away. On the way, I stopped at a chippy expecting the usual small portion, but not today—and ironically, I wasn’t even that hungry. Entry to the rally was free, and they handed me some things at the gate. I didn’t want to carry it all afternoon, so I stuffed what I could into my pocket and took the rest back. 

I’m not sure why I’m writing this in English instead of Welsh, given I’d just been to a Welsh language rally where they spoke about how precarious the situation is for the language. I had my education, sadly, through the medium of English, and I suppose I struggle with some Welsh words. Sometimes even locals don’t understand the ones I use—like the word for “polite,” which I thought was “fanesol.” When I used it last night, a local didn’t understand me. I’m not sure what word they’d use, but I guess I should ask. I’ve since found another word, “cwrtais,” which apparently means polite. Words in Welsh and English don’t always translate exactly, a bit like those French things called *néon cês*—or however you spell it. 

In a way, I’m glad she didn’t understand me, because it made me look for another word, and I came up with “cwrtais.” Remembering it is tough, probably due to my age. I really should start writing this in Welsh—I’m sure Google Translate could help anyone interested.

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