Meet Joe 

Originally from Aberdeen, musician and lecturer Joe Wright now lives in Cardiff with his wife Elen, and daughters Lleucu and Ffion. 

Here, Joe shares how family life inspired him to embrace learning Welsh…  

Tell us a little bit about yourself... 

I play saxophone and teach music at technology at Birmingham City University. I met my wife, Elen, while studying music in London. When we decided to start a family, we moved to Cardiff where we live with our daughters aged three and six. 

What inspired you to start learning Welsh? 

Elen speaks Welsh and comes from Porthmadog, and we always knew we wanted our children to attend Welsh-medium education. My mother is German and spoke German with me growing up, so I knew how important learning a second language at home is.   

How have you learned Welsh? 

I used the SaySomethinginWelsh app, which I could use around my teaching schedule and gigs. I practise speaking with Elen and the girls at home, and I plan on joining a Learn Welsh class soon. 

How do you use Welsh in your day-to-day life? 

Speaking Welsh at home has become second nature. Also, having a neighbour who chats in Welsh over the garden wall has given me a friendly, informal space to practise too!  

What advice would you give to others who want to learn Welsh? 

Just use whatever words you have around the house from day one, and it will soon become a natural part of daily life.