Welsh Language Levels

Speaking (interaction and production): 

I can not speak Welsh at all. 

Writing: 

I can not write Welsh at all. 

Speaking (interaction and production):

I can :

• interact in a simple way provided the other person is willing to speak slowly, repeat or rephrase things, as well as being willing to help me
• use basic expressions and phrases, e.g. introduce myself or another person,
• ask and answer questions on familiar topics e.g. ‘Where do you live?’.

Writing:

I can :

• write a short simple message as an email or note, including the time, date and place.
• fill in forms with personal details, e.g. name, address and telephone number.

Speaking (interaction and production):

I can:

• communicate in simple Welsh on familiar topics.
• contribute to very short social conversations, even though I can’t, usually, keep the conversation going myself.
• use a series of phrases to describe and answer questions on my family and other people, the weather.
• convey instructions or very simple telephone messages.

Writing:

I can:

• write short simple notes and messages, connecting together simple phrases with simple connecting words such as 'and', 'but' and 'because'.
• write a very simple letter or email, e.g. thanking someone for doing something.

Speaking (interaction and production):

I can:

• take advantage of a range of simple language to deal with most situations which are likely to arise in my work.
• understand the general meaning of emails and letters on topics of personal interest, as well as theoretical letters within the context of my work.
• enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events.
• offer advice on simple matters to clients within the context of my work.
• describe experiences and events, hopes and ambitions.
• give reasons and explanations for my opinions and plans concisely. 

Writing:

I can:

• take fairly accurate notes in meetings or seminars where the subject is familiar and foreseeable.
• write letters or emails to describe events, experiences and impressions
• write memoranda or informal emails to convey information.

Speaking (interaction and production):

I can :

• listen to, understand and contribute to discussions in meetings and seminars.
• take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts.
• clearly express an opinion.
• present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to work
• expand and support ideas with supplementary points and relevant examples.
• explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
• give a clear presentation on familiar topics.

Writing:

I can:

• write short pieces of business correspondence, as a letter or email, on a wide range of topics related to my work or my field of interest, and this in standard Welsh without using a template (but using a spellchecker, dictionary, technical resources etc. when necessary).
• take notes or write reports, passing on information or giving reasons in support or against a particular point of view.

Speaking (interaction and production):

I can :

• express myself fluently and unprompted.
• use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes, and contribute confidently to meetings and oral presentations.
• formulate ideas and opinions, and ensure that my contributions are relevant to others.
• respond appropriately to different cultural and social situations.
• present clear detailed descriptions of complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

Writing:

I can: 

• write clear well-structured texts, expressing points of view at some length.
• write detailed explanations of complex subjects in the form of email, letter, essay or report, underlining the salient issues.
• write different types of texts in styles that are appropriate to the reader in mind.

Speaking (interaction and production):

I can:

• understand reports and articles I come across in my work, including complex ideas expressed in complex language.
• take part effortlessly in any discussion.
• express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely.
• If I do have a problem I can revise and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.
• advise on complex, difficult and contentious matters such as financial or legal matters, to the extent that my specialised knowledge allows me
• present descriptions or arguments well, smoothly and clearly, in the appropriate register and context, and with a logical and effective structure which helps to draw the listeners’ attention to relevant points.

Writing:

I can :

• take full and accurate notes and continue to take part in meetings and seminars.
• write well-structured and smoothly flowing texts in the appropriate register.
• write complex technical reports or articles which helps the recipients to notice significant points. 
• write reviews of professional and/or literary works.

Introduction

These revised Welsh language levels replace the current system of Welsh standards and levels. In the table below the new levels are mapped against the old levels and standards to enable comparison with the previous system.

The revised Welsh Language Levels are used to record the Welsh language skills of staff (i.e. ‘competencies’ on the PoblAberPeople system) and are also used to describe the Welsh language requirements of posts.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The levels used by Aberystwyth University correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which is widely used in Europe but also on other continents and is available in over 40 languages including Welsh.  Welsh for Adults qualifications were mapped to the Framework in 2014.

The CEFR describes language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2, B1 and B2, C1 and C2. Aberystwyth University has added a seventh level: A0, to denote the requirement for ‘the ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually’.

Recording the Welsh language skills of staff

Staff are required to self-assess their Welsh language skills using the ‘can do’ statements below. Only the skills of speaking (interaction and production)[1] and writing are assessed. It is possible to record different levels for both skills e.g. a fluent Welsh speaker who is not confident in writing in Welsh can reflect this by choosing one level for their oral ability and a lower level for their writing ability. The language levels previously recorded by members of staff on PoblAberPeople  will be transferred to the revised levels. It is possible for staff to access their records to verify and revise their language levels if necessary.

Using Welsh language requirements in advertisements for posts

 Level A0 should be used in instances where it is deemed that no Welsh language skills are required.  Any post which is front facing and in regular contact with the public as defined by the Welsh Language Scheme should be within the range of A1 to C2. (For academic posts see below)

The “public” refers to current students, staff, prospective students in Wales and the general public  in Wales.

If an academic post is for teaching through the medium of English only then the post should be at level A0.

If an academic post includes teaching through the medium of Welsh then the post should be at level C2.

In instances where a fluent Welsh speaker is required it is suggested that level C2 should be required for academic posts and for posts at grade 6 and above. Otherwise level C1 may be more appropriate.

If writing skills are not necessary it is possible to  request oral skills only. 

Posts requiring Welsh language skills at levels A1 to B1 should include a clause to the effect that those willing to learn to this level may also apply. When assessing candidates that are Welsh speaking against non-Welsh speakers who are willing to learn, the following scoring should be used :

• 4 Has provided evidence of having used the Welsh language extensively e.g. in the workplace
• 3 Meets the Welsh language level
• 2 Has provided evidence of willingness to meet the Welsh language level
• 1 Has not provided sufficient evidence
• 0 Has not provided any evidence

In order for applicants to realise that they must provide evidence of their willingness to learn Welsh, if necessary, it is recommended that the following sentence is used in job advertisements :

The ability to operate at Level A1/A2/B1 or evidence to demonstrate an on-going commitment to learn Welsh to this level.

The ‘Can Do’ Statements

The ‘can do’ statements are descriptors which are used for self-assessment by staff and can also be used by prospective candidates for posts to help them decide whether or not they have the required level of Welsh language skills.  The statements are also used as a guide to deciding on the levels of Welsh language skills  required for a particular post.

To update Welsh Language Levels: 

1. Log in to PoblAberPeople by going to abw.aber.ac.uk or myhr.aber.ac.uk.
2. Click on “Personnel”
3. Click on competence 
4. This will take you into your copmpetence record. Select either Oral Welsh Skill or Written Welsh Skill
   from the drop down field
5. By clicking on this field the level currently recorded will appear as shown below. You then have three
   options:
   
   • Amend the level already recorded.
   • Delete the level recorded.
   • Add a new level.

What courses are available for Aberystwyth University staff?

Dysgu Cymraeg / Learn Welsh offer various courses for learners at all levels, with each course involving 120 hours of work.
Courses can be undertaken during the day or in the evening, through an online virtual class, an in-person class or a blended course.

Full details of the programme are available on Learn Welsh Ceredigion-Powys-Carmarthenshire | Learn Welsh

The courses available to University staff include:

Welsh in the Community courses

• Intensive 4-week Summer Course
• Courses for 4 hours a week held over 30 weeks for one year
• Courses for 3 hours a week held over 40 weeks for one year during the school term
• Courses for 2 hours a week held over 60 weeks for two years

Cymraeg Gwaith / Work Welsh courses

Cymraeg Gwaith / Work Welsh courses focus on the use of Welsh in the workplace. University staff attend the courses during work hours, and they generally involve 2 hours of tuition and an hour-and-a-half of homework every week in order to complete one level, which is 120 hours of work. As part of the scheme there are also self-study courses on the Mynediad (Entry) and Sylfaen (Foundation) levels which give staff the flexibility to work on units at a time that suits them, with a target of completing 120 hours in a year. Registration for Cymraeg Gwaith/Work Welsh courses happens in April. For further details please contact Olwen Morus olm25@aber.ac.uk

Short Online Taster Courses (5 hours)

Short online Cymraeg Gwaith/Work Welsh taster courses are also available to staff, as well as short refresher courses. Please register here https://dysgucymraeg.cymru/cymraeg-gwaith/cyrsiau-cymraeg-gwaith/cyrsiau-blasu-ar-lein/.      

How much do Welsh courses cost for University staff?

The University will pay the fees of staff attending Welsh classes organised by Dysgu Cymraeg. Please note also that 18-25 year olds can enrol free of charge on Dysgu Cymraeg courses as part of a scheme by the Welsh Government and the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Further details and the fees form are available on the Centre for Welsh Language Services website. If you would like a chat or further details about Welsh courses please contact Lowri Jones, lwj@aber.ac.uk  

How long does it take to learn Welsh?

The table below summarises the levels of the five Learn Welsh courses (Mynediad/Entry, Sylfaen/Foundation, Canolradd/Intermediate, Uwch/Advanced and Gloywi/Refresher) along with the recommended minimum contact hours e.g. an entirely new learner is expected to need at least 120 hours to complete the Mynediad level (to reach A1 level). For those staff who already have some Welsh (e.g. at A1 level), completing the Canolradd level would require at least 240 hours of contact (to reach B1 level). The exact number of hours required depends on the individual's progress, and the most successful learners usually undertake additional learning hours too, through revision courses, for example.

National Centre for Learning Welsh
https://learnwelsh.cymru/media/10645/ad-blyn-2020-darllen-spreads.pdf

* There are three courses at Uwch/Advanced level – U1, U2 and U3 (120 hours each)

For details about Welsh courses and resources to help you with your Welsh, please visit the website Welcome | Learn Welsh

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