An Interview With John Good - Course Tutor, AmeriCymraeg

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AmeriCymru held its first online Welsh class on Wednesday and there are still places left on both the beginners and intermediate courses for people wishing to enroll. Here is the signup page for those who are interested. Below we proudly present an interview with course tutor John Good .

ENROLL FOR AMERICYMRAEG HERE .

AmeriCymru: What is your background in teaching Welsh?

John: At the age of 40, I found myself living in Phoenix and embittered, wishing I had taken the opportunity at school and at home with my mother and grandmother to speak the primal language of Wales. Resources in those days were thin, even on the Internet, so I taught myself mainly from books, listening to Welsh Internet broadcasts/tapes/music and from trying to talk to my mother and Welsh speaking friends on the phone. Although my Welsh was sketchy in youth, having experienced all of the pitfalls of linguistic self-tuition I'm well placed to help others cross the raging river of I'll never get there, and soaking wet, bedraggled but triumphant arrive confidently on the Welsh bank.

I've been teaching all levels of Welsh learners for over 15 years in Arizona; privately, at the Irish Cultural Center and else where and intermittently on Skype. I was a substitute teacher at Cwrs Madog and regularly speak the language with my brother, students, nephews and nieces and anyone else who will respond to me. Its a passion with me and my mission is to give back to others some of the joy I experienced speaking to my mother in the language of her youth, and reading the great literature and history of my beloved country ... so there!

AmeriCymru: What is your philosophy or approach to teaching the language?

John: I'm a musician and language to me is very similar to music: Sounds that convey meaning and feelings with occasional spiritual overtones. I like to get people to listen to the melody and especially the rhythm of Welsh; It helps memory, makes pronunciation easier and fun, and enjoyment boosts self confidence. I like to use common phrases and proverbs, songs, stories and poems so people can see the language in action, at its finest. And talking of having fun, it relaxes teacher and students and creates a good learning environment: They who laugh a little, learn a lot.

AmeriCymru: How can utilizing modern tech ( google hangouts etc ) make it easier for students to master Cymraeg?

John: Interactive means exactly that. The lines of communication are open 24/7. You/I can post ideas/questions/homework /suggestions when ready. The class room letter box is always open and at hand. The entire web is at our fingertips during the lessons, including our instant message blackboard, Google, Youtube and the entire virtual world

AmeriCymru: How do you see the AmeriCymraeg course developing in the coming weeks and months?

John: As I get to know students needs after all, All children learn differentlyas they sayIll be able to customize interaction and reinforce strengths and strengthen weaknesses. Anyone will be able to drop in/move between the different levels and find their comfort zone or refresh. Time allowing, I will be virtually available when people get stuck.

Eventually I'd like to see an AmeriCymraeg residential weekend (?) and a Welsh language conversation , audio chat room/class, but until then we just need everyone to sign up, do their homework and not chew gum in class! .

For all course enquiries please email americymru@gmail.com

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