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Mary Ellen Morgan
The Welsh have long called themselves the Cymry, or countrymen, but when the Saxons drove the native Britons (Cymry) across the area now occupied by Offa's Dyke in 770, the Saxons called the Cymry "Wealas" or strangers. We, of all people, should not allow ourselves to be called strangers, especially when in Cymru, so we need to bone up on the right words.
OK, it is time to learn a few words in Welsh about Wales and the Welsh. Practice them whenever you get a chance and soon we'll all be politically correct when speaking of our heritage and of the Language of Heaven.
1. Cymru Come-ree Wales
2. Cymry Come-ree The Welsh people
3. Cymro Come-rho Welshman
4. Cymraes Come-rice Welsh woman
5. Cymraeg Come-ryeg The Welsh language
6, Cymreig Come-rage Welsh as an adjective
Did you catch the irony of Great Britain being named for the Cymry, or Britons, who were driven out of England? Every time we say Great Britain, we're saluting our distant ancestors and their linguistic, if not military, victory over the Saxons.
Tim Jilg is going “home.”
Director of the Madog Center for Welsh Studies at the University of Rio Grande, Ohio, Dr. Timothy Jilg, has been swamped by hiraeth and is moving back to Wales. A familiar face the past two years at the WSCO Board table and events, he will be sorely missed.
Tim’s parents live in Ohio so we hope there might be a chance he will detour to the Columbus area some day and surprise us with a visit.
After taking the 2006 WSCO-sponsored Welsh language classes taught by Tim, your humble Editor knows that no matter where she is, however many years down the road it may be, when she hears the name of the town Dinas Powys she will automatically think “uhn Nee-nas Poh-uhs.” Mutating words…argh!
Pob luc, Tim!
For Tim’s new address, please contact WSCO (614) 470-4999 or centralohiowelsh[at]aol[dot]com.