Listening to the Words: Welsh and the indigenous languages of the world
13:00 BST | 01 August 2022
Welsh Government Pavillion, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Tregaron
Wales Arts International are pleased to announce a special event at the Welsh Government pavilion at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron, as Mererid Hopwood and Gareth Bonello discuss language and words in the context of the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages. Following the launch of Gwrando in 2022, which is Wales’ theme for the first year of the Decade, Academi Heddwch secretary, Professor Mererid Hopwood, continues with the conversation, this time in discussion with the artist and multi-instrumentalist Dr. Gareth Bonello.
Since 2016, Gareth has been working with poets and singers from the Khasi community in North-East India. The Khasia and Jaiñta Hills were the first mission field of the Welsh Calvinist Methodist Foreign Mission Society, where Welsh people had a significant influence on the spoken language and Khasi literature. Gareth researched the relationship as part of his doctorate with the University of South Wales, using creative practice to build a dialogue with Khasi artists and forming the musical group the Khasi-Cymru Collective.
Mererid and Gareth will perform poems and songs as part of the discussion, and the audience is invited to respond during the event. Please note that there will be audio recording throughout the event. Simultaneous Welsh-English translation will be available.
Entrance to the event is free, however you must ensure that you have purchased a ticket for the Eisteddfod to enter the maes. Find more information on ticketing for the Eisteddfod here.