DISCOVER THE 'HEN IAITH'

THE TWO LANGUAGES OF WALES

Welsh is known as ‘hen iaith’ – the old language – and not surprising because it can lay claim to being the oldest living language in Europe. Its origins are in the language brought by Celtic tribes in pre-Roman to the British Isles. This Celtic language developed into Gaelic, through Scotland and into Ireland, and into what was known as Brythoneg, which further split into three distinctive languages: Welsh, Cornish and Breton. Even today people in Brittany, those who speak Breton can understand quite a lot of what a Welsh person is saying. That the language has survived at all is remarkable, living right next door to what is now the most widely spoken international language – English. The fact that it is in such excellent shape is worthy of real celebration.

In Pembrokeshire, particularly in the north of the country, Welsh is very definitely the language of the home and you will hear it spoken in pubs, in shops and wherever people chat.

Of course, 99.9% of Pembrokeshire people speak English fluently, but if you make an effort to learn even a little of the ‘hen iaith’ you can be sure of a very warm Welsh welcome indeed. The short guide below will give you some of the basics.

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- Pronunciation
- A Few Useful Phrases
- Understanding Welsh Place Names
- Some Signs You Will Come Across