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[Spenny]

Am I right in downloading the lesson so as to play them offline? This seems a great way to do the lesson.

Just noticed nobody picked up on that.

Indeed that is much the best way, and if you can find anyone with a portable player, you can wander around and do the lessons - I have learnt almost entirely whilst walking the dog. In fact I struggle to listen sitting at the PC.

[debw12]

I 'm a bit late here, but welcome Philip, to this wonderful part of the universe...I too appreciate the friendly voices of our tutors, it makes learning this beautiful language even more fun. you will find they are very helpful as well, as are all the members of this forum. I attended high school and some college taught by Benedictine sisters (in Kansas, USA) and found the atmosphere provided by those in a contemplative life very wonderful, dare i say magical? Your unique viewpoint on Celtic monasticism (of which i don't know very much but would love to know more) sounds like a wonderful topic! I hope you continue to enjoy SSIW! Debby

[pip100]

Hello Gary, I put a link from the SimonDale site onto our Facebook page - if you are a user look up Mucknell Abbey.

I'm through lesson 2 and now revising it. Finding it tricky to be fluent, quick and correct! But am enjoying!

Pob Hwyl!

Philip

[pip100]

Oh dear! Had got to the end of lesson 3 and began revising lesson 1, okay, then lesson 2 and half way through my mind went completely blank and could get a single word out. And I thought I was doing so well

[jstetson]

Oh dear! Had got to the end of lesson 3 and began revising lesson 1, okay, then lesson 2 and half way through my mind went completely blank and could get a single word out. And I thought I was doing so well

Oh, don't worry! You are doing well, I'm sure. These blank spots happen to the best of us, never mind the rest of us,

You might consider skimping on revision and just plow on instead. There's a huge amount of revision built into the course anyway. Trust me, you and these words are going to be very well acquainted before long.

I for one am seriously tired of " 'r hen gath" by this point (you'll soon know what I mean!)

[pip100]

Thanks for the encouragement! My typing is getting sloppy, better turn in for the day - Nos da!

[Aran]

Oh dear! Had got to the end of lesson 3 and began revising lesson 1, okay, then lesson 2 and half way through my mind went completely blank and could get a single word out. And I thought I was doing so well

You know the bit at the beginning where we say that you don't need to be doing revision with this course?...

When you can get the Welsh out before Catrin (or Cat) most of the time, you are ready to move on to the next lesson - once you have moved on to the next lesson, you do not need to be re-visiting the earlier material - we revisit it all for you...

So - don't move on before you're ready (if you have to use the pause button for every single response, you're not ready) - but once you are ready and do move on, don't go back - unless you have to skip learning for a while, and need a bit of a refresher.

And in any case, do NOT worry about occasional blank patches - that's inevitable, everyone gets it, just relax and switch off and come back later...

[pip100]

Diolch! Of course. I should do what the label says! Thanks for the guidance. I'm getting on with No 4 ...

I

[Iestyn]

Sounds like you are doing pretty well there, Pip!

Two things to bear in mind. "Going blank" might actually be "losing concentration". If you are subconsciously a bit bored of lesson 1/2 again, or worse, think that it should be easier this time, and find its not as easy as you expected / hoped, your brain may be rebelling and just wandering off. As Aran said - move on a lesson!

Secondly, remember that you have never learnt anything in this way before, so no previous experience wil have wired up your brain for it. The first few lessons are as much about teaching your brain to learn this way as they are about teaching you to speak Welsh. Blank patches and panics are not just to be expected, they are compulsory. And if you don't suffer from them occasionally don't let on, the rest of our learners will lynch you!