Hi, still trying to work out how long each level is. I am on challenge 12 level 1. Had a nose around and unless there are more challenges hidden, I can only see 25 for each level. As I can only cope with a challenge a week am I right thinking that I could complete all 3 levels within 2 years? Need to take the odd break 
Diolch
Yes, 25 challenges on each level, so all 3 within 2 years is certainly do-able (but there’s no ‘set’ time to do them in!).
If after that you get withdrawal symptoms, you could go through the old course - also 3 levels with 25 challenges each, but of course you’ll be able to go through that faster 
And there’s the advanced material to keep you going after that!
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Thanks Siaron, you have made my day. I had it in my head it’ll be a year for each level 
Living in lovely Ceredigion I’ll hope I can improve my Welsh naturally too. 90% of all Welsh people I do know are first language Welsh
The beauty of the SSiW course is that people can work at their own pace. some will whizz through it, others will take breaks and come back to it, others will just work steadily through it. It’s all about individual learning but with plenty of support whatever pace you’re taking 
And you’ve plenty of welsh around you which will help enormously - don’t be afraid to jump in with the Welsh you’ve already got (no need to wait 'til you finish the course!), because that will help get you there even quicker!
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I do use bits, more in texts etc or talking to myself. But it’s getting over the first hurdle 
Yup, that first hurdle always seems a doozy, but pretty much everyone finds that. But what lies on the other side is so wonderful, it’s worth the pain of making yourself jump it! Remember, your first proper “in the wild” conversation doesn’t have to be long and it doesn’t have to be perfect or fluent - the boost you’ll get from it will still be amazing. Choose a friendly Welsh speaker you already know, take a deep breath and go for it. Once you’re on the other side of that hurdle it won’t seem so big after all! You’ve got this!
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Hello Aran,
I’m useless at using the forum. I wonder where this will end up.
I started learning in June last year. Now, on July 26th 2021, I have reached Level One Lesson 18. Slow learner? No. I stopped and started and then went right back to square one. My biggest mistakes?
Rewinding mistakes over and over. Trying to be perfect. But, since lockdown, I’ve found something that works for me! I would definitely not recommend it as it’s really odd.
In the last few months I have begun to see the light.
When I get to a new level, I play the lesson all the way through, straight away. At the age of 69 I find that my memory is actually getting better. Now I can hold the English words in my head and then translate them. If I get stuck I can now think my way around it. I use the pause button whenever I need too. This helps me to translate at MY speed.
Mistakes REALLY do help. I never thought I’d ever say that! During the following days I go through the lesson again, using about 10 minutes each time. I jot down my sticking points.
I am very nervous in any company. However, I was in the pub this week and someone asked if anyone could sing Happy Birthday in Welsh. I got my guitar and sang it. Then they started asked me to says beer in Welsh etc.
You are going to think I’m a lunatic now.
I suddenly thought to myself ……. I am actually speaking Welsh. Wow.
I rarely ever travel as I don’t like strange places. BUT, I’m going to stay with a lovely family in Llanbedrog, which I love. I’m banned from speaking English!
I’d like to thank you. I’ve never ever lasted this long on ANY course as I have such low self esteem.
Now I look forward to each new lesson and give myself little “hooks” to catch my words with.
Diolch.
Thank you so much.
John.
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Marvellous John - well done! It sounds like you’ve cracked it - any method that works for you is the right one. Just keep at it - it’s easier said than done for a lot of people, but the more you make yourself use the Welsh you have, the more confident you’ll get and the more Welsh you’ll pick up (and you’re well on the way!)
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I wanted to give this post more than one 
/ like!
That’s the beauty of the SSiW method. You can use it in various ways and go at the speed that suits you. I hope you have a lovely time in Llanbedrog.
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Thank you, Siaron. I’m beginning to enjoy it now!
Meanwhile……yn y dafarn.
Me to a new barmaid:-
“Hello, I hear you’re name is Sian. That’s Welsh for Jane. What part of Wales do yiu come from?”
Sian:-
“Barnsley!”
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Thank you, Margaret. I’ve just watched your video. It’s excellent.
Diolch yn fawr…John
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Thanks, John. I’m glad you found it useful. I know I struggled with SSiW and it seemed impossible at first, but after trying several times over a period of years and bouncing off the method very hard, I eventually found how to make it work for me.
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Hi Margaret hall
What video does Jonn refer to in his reply to you please?
Thanks
Keith
I think it might be the one she posted in this thread, Keith - Video: if you're finding SSiW *really* hard going
By the way, to make sure someone you’re asking, or referring to sees your post, you can tag them by putting an @ before their name like this @keith-17
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Thanks again.
That sounds like the perfect combination of pushing yourself hard enough to get a neurological adaptation, and being kind enough to give yourself extra time when it feels helpful - ideal, well done you! And what a brilliant thing to spend time in Llanbedrog without using any English - superb!
Huge, huge congratulations - you’ve achieved a huge amount already, and with such a positive attitude you’re going to keep going from strength to strength… 
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You Diolch, Aran. It’s your method that’s made the difference. Thank you so much.
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Bore Da Aran.
I’m currently enjoying Level 2 lesson 16 of your brilliant SSiW lessons. Last week you suggested contacting you on the forum with any concerns or difficulties encountered. Well here goes. I’m finding it difficult to hear/understand the dialogue on the previous two listening exercises as it’s done at such speed. So I’ve taken to reading the Welsh part of the transcript then referring to the English translation if I get stuck. I’m doing quite well with this tbh. I’m continuing with the twice daily listening exercise as instructed. Are others having similar difficulties?
@barrie-lewis the idea with the listening practices is that they are supposed to be too fast for you to be able to pick out individual words consciously. It’s your subconscious that is going to become activated so that you find yourself almost miraculously understanding what the conversation is about.
Just put it on and treat it like some music that you’re about to listen to. Let it flow over you, without really focusing on it, but without letting your mind start thinking about other things. It’s the easiest language learning you’ll do because it requires no effort at all.
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Ok I’ll just have to trust the system on this I suppose. My concern is that I just can’t make out some of the dialogue without referring to the transcript so was at a loss as to how I’m meant to absorb words and phrases I can’t hear. Sorry if I sound a little negative, I really don’t mean to be. The SSi system of learning is a revelation to me which I’m really enjoying. I was borne in Wales and have lived all of my 69 years here. Thanks to SSi for giving me the chance to better understand and appreciate this ancient and beautiful language. Diolch!
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