My insight of the week, also inspired by a comparison between Rich’s experience and mine about Sgwrs 14 is that at the moment my vocabulary is very small and most of my understanding is based on hints and guesses: trying to figure out a context and a story around a few Welsh words I know, and linking them to what I more or less accidentally already know.
But things can go…well… really wrong! (note: see other thread for details!)
With the radio, I can’t tell. With the Advanced content here, I can always check the “correct answers” and I think that is just priceless in this phase of learning!
Yes, it is…it is also about dialect and speed…ie recognising the words you actually know !!!
To confess - I think my 80% figure above is the sort of figure you use when you are giving someone a progress update on something you are supposed to have done…and there is a management rule of thumb that 80% means 50% when you get down to it!
Still I’m happy with 50%…and it could be less - I am happy that I generally understand what is said to be honest!
I would also say that when I first listen my understanding is poor generally but very variable - randomly I found Cadi Alwen (Sgwrs 12) easier to understand - she seemed to speak clearly - even though she is a Gog! (no disrespect intended) - perhaps because /why she is a translator.
…on the first Sgwrs’s my understanding was very, very poor. Personally I think going through and trying to translate it myself has helped but I don’t know that for sure. (The existing translation is of course absolutely invaluable. )
This seems like a method to pull yourself up onto the next ledge…and I’m extreeeemely grateful for that…because before these Sgwrs came out, I was struggling for that. Easy? No.
But did I think the challenges were easy? No.
So, with that less glossy explanation- is my experience very different from yours?
The biggest thing that worries me is that I’ve come so far up this hill and I still don’t get on the ledge! I think it’s a healthy fear however?
I think that’s a good idea - it’ll feel a bit like a life-raft when you have a tough new one, so helpful on the emotional side of things - and any extra exposure all always valuable…
There is a beta version of the iPhone version here
You have to flip to the North dialect - in settings- at the moment to see the content.
I don’t use the Android version but I think that has been updated … others would have to confirm.
Alternatives are going to the SSIW website on your phone/ tablet or saving the audio onto google drive or iCloud (this method also allows you to pick up the Transcript and translation on your phone/tablet).
Ok so if you download the beta version via the link to @lewie ‘s post (above) - an advanced tab will appear just like the level 1, level 2 tabs.
At the moment you need to flip to the Northern dialect to see the content - the tabs is there but empty if you are logged onto to the southern dialect.
Interesting. Like Baurach, done six months, Level 3 and onto advanced content and not in a Welsh part of the world. Have been lazy in taking advantage of the online conversation opportunities but feel that comprehension is growing considerably. More chunks falling into place here and there. Started watching SC4 with Welsh subtitles on and also looking at a couple of more traditional learning books but not letting myself get pissed off if the grammar gets too much and just moving on to another section - remarkable how a good part of that seems familiar too.
I worked methodically through the three levels (sometimes with great difficulty) and have moved to the Advanced Learning. I must say that I feel left in the middle of nowhere and would venture to say that the Advanced learning (listening) should be used as support to the conversational lessons rather than being the actual lessons. The Three Levels that I worked through were structured to develop understanding, grammar and vocabulary and this was an innovative and positive way of developing conversational Welsh. In my humble opinion the learning should be carried on with a Level 4 etc to develop vocabulary and grammar to facilitate conversation. I appreciate the importance of the listening exercises but as stated they should be used to support further conversational learning
Regards
Des
Thank you very much for the input, Des - always hugely helpful and interesting. I’m not dead set against a Level 4 (we will be doing a few spillover extra lessons that didn’t fit into the Level 3) but I’m also fairly sure that by the time you’ve done Level 3, live conversation and bulk listening is the real key to continued success…
Hi, I have enjoyed reading this thread but have some questions.
I have a subscription of £3.95 as I jumped in last summer joining before the price went up to £10.
I have just finished level 1 & 2 challenges (6month) and the week 26 e-mail talks about the ‘deep end’ I think there is a charge of £40.00 × 3
I am wondering where in the process Level 3 and Advanced Content fit in? What is the best way to do it? Does my subscription of £3.95 continue and if it does, what does it give me access to please?
Sorry for all the questions but I have been unable to find the answers myself. Probably looking in the wrong place.
Hi @annmoore
While you wait for an “official” answer…
I too have a £3.95 subscription as I have been around here for a while. I did Levels 1 and 2 before the 6 month option appeared. I also did Level 3, which is surely included in your subscription, before the ‘deep end’ was introduced. As I understand it, the ‘deep end’ guides you through Level 3 with additional support, just as the 6 month guides you through Levels 1 and 2. The Advanced Content is included in my subscription. It consists of a weekly chat between Beca and an interesting person of her choice. They speak at a natural speed, but Beca prepares a transcription and a translation. What I don’t know is whether you need to pay extra for the ‘deep end’ additional help to guide you through Level 3.
Sue
Thanks so much for the quick reply. I have been wondering in what order I should be doing it. It sounds as though things just developed that way, probably helped along now with Beca. It’s helpful to know what you have done. I have been thinking, level 3 next? Deep End next? Advanced Content? And, do I pay more for level 3 and Advanced Content? What does my subscription cover?! I can’t even find it! So many questions but so very good that Aran, Iestyn and co are doing such a great job. with excellent resources.
At least you have given me some useful feedback. Thank you so much
(note: see other thread for details!)
