Unfortunately, I can’t do that as it is copyright, not in the public domain… It’s a modern novel called “Y Rhwyd” (“The Net”). It’s not great literature or anything. I chose it almost at random, but also because I knew it was modern colloquial Welsh, and not too long, and available on Kindle (I use Kindle for PC, then Calibre to convert to plain text, and then use Google translate on that, about 5000 characters at a time. When I’ve put all the translated bits together, I import it into Aglona reader, along with the original, and then the long-winded work begins. It’s interesting though). Also of course, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the translation But as an exercise for oneself, I find it interesting and instructive. I’d encourage anyone who is into reading to have a go themselves.
It would be nice if one could easily find public domain material for this kind of exercise, but unfortunately, (e.g. at Project Gutenberg), but they are almost by definition quite old, and presumably in “literary Welsh”, which I am not particularly interested in getting into at the present time (maybe one day in the distant future).
I found some parallel texts in Welsh-English for sale online:
“Si Hei Lwli” - “Twilight Song” by Angharad Tomos
and
Y Lôn Wen" “The White Lane” by Kate Roberts.
Both published by Gomer (and marked “Trosiadau” “Translations”).
But when I bought them, I then decided I wasn’t ready for them, and they have remained on my “go back to” pile. I think I could probably manage them now, but they are not at the top of the pile. I think I can recognise elements of literary style in them (thanks to hints in Gareth King’s books), but they are not too difficult looking (now!).
What kind of a book is “Y rhwyd”? A detective story? I’m now writing a to-read list for the future.
This translation exercise will probably be very useful for any learner. I wonder if there are some short stories or maybe fairy tales out there. Just to try translating myself. Maybe fairy tales would even be a better choice, as they’re not likely to be in copyright. And I’ve always been fascinated by the Welsh folk lore.
I can’t find any fairy tales, but I found a site that has translated Bible stories for children into many languages. They have 60 stories in English. They have 24 of those translated to Welsh. They are a simple retelling of Bible stories that should be good for trying to translate yourself. Also since they have the stories in English and other languages you can check your translation. Here’s a link to the Welsh page if you’re interested:
Hmmmm … interestingly enough I found also Russian, Serbian, SHONA!!! and some more “exotic” languages, but no Slovenian and Croatian, neither Slovak for that matter.
Thank you so much, this is just perfect! It’s so very helpful to read stories which I’m familiar with - I can guess the meaning of some words from the context.
And, maybe, just in case there’s anyone who doesn’t know this book already and is interested, there’s a free online copy of "“Ystraeon o hanes Cymru”, with parallel texts in Cymraeg and English. (I checked, it’s out of copyright) The stories are relatively easy. Of course, this is literary Welsh, but maybe someone finds it of interest as well.
I thought it was going to be (or a crime thriller of some sort). As far as I’ve got with it so far (not as far as I should have …) it’s turning out to be about, er, S&M! When I finish, I’ll let you know how it turns out (well, not of course if it’s too risqué! )
I’m sure there must be, and I think I’ve even seen them online in the past, but on a recent quick search, could only find them in English versions.
I’ve recently been expanding my collection of Gareth King textbooks, and in several of them, he gives some very useful hints in interpreting literary or at least more formal Welsh. I must admit, I had been terrified at the thought of venturing in that direction, but he at least to some extent demystifies it. (e.g. “Welsh Reader”, “Colloquial Welsh”, and “Intermediate Welsh”). He doesn’t go into it in that great a depth, but I think gives you enough to dip your toe in the water, if you have only previously learned colloquial Welsh.
I have read Y Rhwyd - my tutor gave it to me, because she didn’t think it was suitable for anyone else in the class! Why me? I don’t think she had read more than the first chapter. I thought the Welsh was fine, but the story has quite a nasty twist in the tail - but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Let me know what you think.
I’m not totally surprised. Thanks for the warning Helen!
In a fit of misplaced enthusiasm, ages ago, I bought two books by Llwyd Owen because they were available in both English as well as Welsh. I read them in English, meaning to then go back and try reading the Welsh. Unfortunately, the subject matter was such that I just didn’t feel like reading them again (in either language). Too “gritty” (or something) by far. Choosing books at random can be risky! “Blodwen Jones” is much more my style, but there don’t seem to be enough books like that around.
Oh wow, thanks for warning. I thinnk I won’t even attempt to read it.Judging by the title, I expected to be some Agatha Christie-style detective story:)
Speaking of Welsh literature, are there any good Modern Welsh translations of stuff like Llyfr Taliesin, Llyfr Aneirin, and the Mabinogion? I wouldn’t mind spending a few nights reading through those.
That’s a good question, I’m not sure anything like this exists… As far as I know, medieval Welsh is quite similar to the modern language and therefore can be understood without a retelling in the modern Welsh. I’ve found this, though http://www.mit.edu/~dfm/canol/contents.html. It’s a guide to reading in the Middle Welsh, and is based on the text of the Mabinogi. Maybe it might interest someone.
I just literally came on here this minute to ask about using children books or media clips generally for learning welsh, simply because I was watching SC4 earlier today, and although I didnt understand much of most parts of the channel with the adults speaking (fast usually), I did understand much more of a childrens cartoon programme that came on involving a hippopotamus and a lion lol. It got me into that eureka moment hahah…it makes total sense to start off with childrens media including books, especially if (like me) you want to be able to read in a new language as well as speak with it…
This is my first post here, and have not read the context of this post, so forgive me if I have re-birthed an old or redundant post or simply restated the obvious.
Roy.
Don’t worry, it’s fine - the forum takes some getting used to in terms of navigation. But everyone’s really friendly here, so don’t worry if you’re still working out what you’re doing. People will understand.
Polly there is a bookshop in Ammanford that sells via Amazon but with which I have dealt direct in the past. I found them really helpful. Unfortunately I can’t remember contact details. I think it was Arcade Books??? I’ll see if I can find them.
I’m pretty sure that is the one!! Dioch yn fawr!!
Also, I got books from the library years ago, like Y Mabinogian, Y Gododdin and Dafydd ap G, but I’m not sure if one still can!! This was in Yorkshire and Harrow, I think!!
p.s. Found this
Tim Savage collegestreetbooks@btconnect.com
hope it is helpful. It isn’t browsable, of course, but he may give help if you ask for types of book!!!
I’ve also had success with The Book Depository, which advertise free shipping to nearly everywhere in the world.
Presumably the shipping costs are “baked into” the prices but they still seem mostly affordable and for UK books to Germany the prices are often similar to what I find on Amazon Germany once I include shipping. I imagine their huge volume of sales will let them get better arrangement for international shipping costs.
They have at least some Welsh books as well, e.g. I ordered e-ffrindiau and Blodwen from them the other day.
So this may be something to look at for people who live abroad.
It’s interesting though). Also of course, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the translation 
