Peter Lock is a driver at Warburtons. He has recently been learning Welsh using a phone app called Duolingo. Duolingo language courses make it easy to form a habit of language learning, with game-like features, fun challenges, and regular reminders to study.
This is what Peter has told us about his learning experience:
Being Welsh and proud I decided to send my children to Welsh language schools. I also decided I would like to try and converse with them in that language.
I found out about Duolingo when a URTU rep made a visit to the depot I work in. The process of starting my course was very easy. All I had to do was to download the app on my phone. I have been using the app regularly since and so far I have learned quite a few new words that I was not aware of despite having a very small knowledge of the Welsh language already.
Fitting learning into my daily life has not been difficult. I spend around 15-20 minutes per day learning. I have recently found the best time to do it – when I am on the treadmill at the gym or when I am lying in bed relaxing.
What is good about the app is that there is a lot of repeating of words and phrases. Duolingo is easy to use and is very similar to a game, which can make it more enjoyable. The only frustration is that you have to be accurate when spelling or entering new words – you may still understand the phrase, but you cannot progress further before you get it right.
I would definitely recommend this Duolingo course to others wanting to learn Welsh. The app is very easy to use and I am enjoying my learning.
Until I had spoken with URTU, I was not aware that this kind of learning and all other opportunities were available. Despite not always having the time to do all the courses, it is good to know there are opportunities available to help people progress their knowledge and skills further. This is not the first course I have done with URTU and I hope to learn another language on Duolingo in the future.
Duolingo and other informal learning opportunities can be found here.
