Absolute Beginner #1, Introduction - General Welsh Grammar and Pronunciation, 220829

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1.1) Advantages of ‘General Welsh’:
1. Valid for both N. and S. Walian - e.g. lyfrau “Luhvr-a-iuh”, is accepted in both, gyda and gan etc.

2. Teaches the core traditional Welsh from which the N. and S. Walian dialects are evolved - e.g. yr oeddwn, yr oeddet, instead of r’on, r’ot etc.

3. Makes traditional pre-1900‘s Welsh literature more accessible – e.g. great Welsh writers such as Beriah Gwynfe Evans, and the William Morgan Bible.

4. Modern fluent speakers have to understand both dialects in any case – e.g. similar to US and UK English.

5. Deeper and fuller understanding of modern colloquial N. and S. Walian dialects… makes it easier to learn both and avoids “pigeon-holing” e.g. lyfra pr. Luhvr-a-iuh

1.2) Disadvantages:
1. Makes the learner’s speech less rooted in either the N. or the S., but... in any case when a beginner speaks, they sound like a beginner whichever dialect they are learning.

2. Can make the learner’s speech more formal sounding, but... in any case a learner generally picks up the local accent from where they live… and… the division of N. And S. Walian dialects is an oversimplification.

1.3) But note!
I live in S. Wales, therefore I speak with an accent that is local. This is picked up subconsciously. Therefore one shouldn’t need to worry about the correct dialect.