New Welsh-language podcast ‘Pont’ celebrates learners' journeys

A new podcast series ‘Pont’ launches this month on Radio Cymru.

Hosted and produced by Dr Angharad Lewis, Intensive Welsh Leader at Learn Welsh Glamorgan based at the University of South Wales (USW), the podcast takes its name from the Welsh word for ‘bridge’.

The series will explore the inspiring journeys of six adults who have learned Welsh as a second language and have mastered the language and ‘crossed the bridge’ to fluency.

The podcast focuses on individuals who have made Welsh a part of their everyday lives. From contributing to the workplace to using Welsh at home, the series highlights the diverse ways in which the language has transformed these learners' lives.

Dr Lewis was selected to develop the series after submitting her idea of informal conversations with individuals who have embraced Welsh. It begins with Joseff Gnagbo, a refugee who arrived in Wales in 2017 and became fluent in Welsh. Joseff now advises on policy reforms related to making Welsh language classes accessible to refugees.

Other episodes will feature guests, like Naomi Hughes who learned Welsh through the USW intensive course. Naomi, of both Welsh and Chinese heritage, began her Welsh language journey because she wanted support her child through Welsh-medium school. She went on to graduate from Cardiff Met University with a Welsh-medium teacher training and is now Head of a Technology and Design department in a Welsh-medium school, leading Welsh-medium initiatives across various platforms.

The podcast’s music is composed by Sylvia Strand, a current student of Dr Lewis’ course at USW. The collaboration with Sylvia, a professional music producer, adds a unique touch to the series, showcasing the practical ways in which learning Welsh opens new creative opportunities.

Both Dr Lewis and Sylvia have been invited to record a special interview with Radio Cymru during Adult Learning Week in October, where they will discuss the podcast and the significance of Welsh language education for adults.

Dr Lewis said: “My hope is that the podcast will draw attention to the importance of learning Welsh as adults and the opportunities that arise from following this language journey’.

“Pont is not only about celebrating those who have already made the journey to fluency but also encouraging others to take that first step and to continue their journey) We will showcase fresh perspectives on the power of language learning.”

The series is produced with the support of the BBC with a new episode released monthly. The first episode is available now and is hosted on BBC Sounds.