American Teenager Becomes Fluent in Welsh for a Sweet Reason
A teenager from Ohio learns Welsh to connect with his grandmother and family heritage, deepening their bond and understanding of culture
Rhys Davis, Welsh, Ohio, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Family
Oak Hill: So, there’s this American teenager named Rhys Davis, right? He’s 19 and lives in Ohio. Recently, he decided to learn Welsh, and it’s all for a really sweet reason—his grandmother. Rhys wanted to connect with her better, and it’s been quite the journey.
His grandma, Elizabeth, is from Aberaeron in Wales. She moved to the U.S. back in 1974, but Rhys always felt that Welsh culture was a big part of his family. He only visited Wales twice, but the stories his dad told him about the place made it sound magical.
Rhys started getting serious about learning Welsh during his junior year of high school. He thought, “Hey, I’m moving away soon, so why not get closer to my roots?” He’s super proud of his Welsh name and wanted to embrace that part of his identity.
At first, he struggled a bit with apps like Duolingo, but then he found SaySomethingInWelsh, which really helped him out. He was chatting with his family and even the director of the local Welsh center in no time. It’s been a fun ride for him!
Now, he’s been fluent for over a year, and it’s not just about the language. It’s about the bond he’s built with his grandma. They chat regularly, and he feels like he understands her life story so much better now.
Elizabeth was surprised and impressed when she found out Rhys was learning Welsh. Their relationship has grown closer, and she loves that they can practice together. For Rhys, learning Welsh has become a symbol of growth and connection to his family history.
He’s planning to visit Wales again soon, and he can’t wait to see his family there. Learning the language has opened up a whole new world for him, connecting him with his roots and the stories of his family. How cool is that?