“I fell in love with something that wasn’t a person.”
Originally from a Wyoming state, USA, Parker, 32, successfully learned the Welsh language in less than an year.
The America started learning Welsh in November 2023 after moving to Trefriw, Conwy with his then partner.
With support form Menter Iaith Conwy, Parker is now confident speaking Welsh, and is hoping to train as a Welsh language councillor.
“Ma’ dysgu Cymraeg ‘di newid fy mywyd yn hollol,” he spoke to Newyddion S4C.
“Nath ffrind fi Meirion, bos fi wan, nath o ddysgu fi’r dywediad cwpan mewn dŵr – o’n i’n union fel ‘na, jyst mewn perthynas ar ôl perthynas oedd jyst di-ben.
“Doedd gen i ddim cyfeiriad fy hun… Efo’r Cymraeg, gesh i hwnna.”
Family Connections
Paker who now lives in Bethesda, Gwynedd has learned several languages including Italian.
But says he is passionate for the Welsh language as he feels he connects with his fathers family who was originally from Wales.
“Dw i’n teimlo’n angerddol dros y Gymraeg achos ma’ hi’n iaith brodorol,” meddai.
“Ac efo ieithoedd brodorol, dw i’n meddwl ma’ nhw’n cysylltu ni efo’r tirwedd a’n hanes ni – jyst bod yn rhan o wbath sy’n fwy na ni.”
The full Welsh language article can be seen here.