Geordan Burress is an intelligent woman with a curiosity for the world and its myriad cultures. Her journey began in Ohio when The Sun reported on her efforts to learn Welsh, suggesting her endeavor was misguided. This misguided perspective was met with widespread support for Geordan on Twitter.
Geordan’s Journey to Wales
I love Geordan’s tenacity and intelligence, and I’m thrilled that she shared her story about how her quest for the Welsh language transformed into an actual journey to Cymru in 2019.
Discovering the Welsh Language
Geordan’s interest in Wales and the Welsh language ignited through the music of Gruff Rhys. His lyrics, delivered in both Welsh and English, introduced Geordan to the nuances of the Welsh language. Consequently, she sought free online resources to enhance her learning, starting with SaySomethingInWelsh (SSIW), which greatly strengthened her foundational knowledge. After approximately three years of dedicated study, Geordan became proficient enough to engage comfortably in Welsh conversations.
The Tabloid’s Misinterpretation
A British tabloid’s portrayal of Geordan’s story suggested her efforts were futile, which understandably frustrated her. She felt it was offensive that they implied the Welsh language held little value. Geordan emphasized that she had been connecting with fellow Welsh speakers for years, making the idea that Welsh was ‘dead’ inaccurate. The support she received on social media was uplifting, with many individuals expressing their admiration for her determination to master the Welsh language.
Transformation through Language
Learning Welsh has drastically changed Geordan’s life, alleviating her shyness and boosting her self-esteem. As someone who has struggled with social anxiety, her ability to converse in a challenging language instilled a newfound confidence in her. Speaking Welsh with others has opened doors for social interactions that were previously daunting. Geordan reflected on her solo trip to Wales in May 2019, where she explored towns like Caernarfon and Llanberis, stating it was a pivotal experience that significantly enhanced her confidence.
Conversing with Welsh Speakers
Geordan found conversing with native Welsh speakers fascinating due to the regional dialects across Wales. While she generally understood conversations, feedback on her own accent varied, with some insisting it resembled Northern Welsh while others detected Southern influences. To her delight, many native speakers were astonished by her fluency, reinforcing her dedication to mastering the language.
Connecting Through Social Media
Twitter emerged as a vital platform for Geordan to connect with other Welsh speakers. The supportive community on Twitter allowed her to practice and enhance her conversational skills by thinking in Welsh while typing. Although Facebook was also beneficial, most of her interactions occurred on Twitter, which solidified her fluency.
Future Language Aspirations
Geordan hopes to return to Wales in the near future and is interested in revisiting her studies of Chinese and Spanish, languages she has previously studied. She expressed a desire to reignite her passion for learning and further explore new cultures.
Embracing Cultural Curiosity
Geordan aligns with the philosophy of promoting responsible travel and cultural awareness. Her journey to learn Welsh enriched her understanding of the importance of minority languages and the efforts required to gain recognition. This newfound knowledge fostered an openness and mindfulness towards cultural diversity, providing her with personal insights that enhanced her travel experiences.
