The Welsh voice is unique. There’s a lilt and delivery that’s magical even if you can’t understand a bit of the language.
Years ago I visited Wales for a week. You know you have entered Wales when the wording on every sign is completely unpronounceable. A few days ago I had to send a package to a city in the UK. My mind couldn’t focus on the spelling, it was as if someone had mixed up letters in a blender. Sure enough, a city in Wales.
On my visit our tour guide pointed out the then empty stadium in Cardiff. He said that you haven’t lived until you have heard the Welsh national anthem sung by every single person before a sporting game or event. I finally looked that up on YouTube. He was right.
‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ – or ‘Land Of My Fathers’ in English
1. This land of my fathers is dear to me
Land of poets and singers, and people of stature
Her brave warriors, fine patriots
Shed their blood for freedom
Chorus:
Land! Land! I am true to my land!
As long as the sea serves as a wall
For this pure, dear land
May the language endure for ever.
2. Old land of the mountains, paradise of the poets,
Every valley, every cliff a beauty guards;
Through love of my country, enchanting voices will be
Her streams and rivers to me.
3. Though the enemy have trampled my country underfoot,
The old language of the Welsh knows no retreat,
The spirit is not hindered by the treacherous hand
Nor silenced the sweet harp of my land.
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