A man from Jackson, Mississippi, undertook a remarkable journey of 4,000 miles to sit for a Welsh-language exam. At 58 years old, Jeff Narvil has dedicated the past 14 months to self-studying Welsh, engaging with the language through apps, textbooks, and online resources. His determination culminated in a trip to the University of Cardiff in January, where he took the A1 language exam, assessing his reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Narvil’s journey into the Welsh language began 15 years ago while he was studying Irish and exploring various Celtic languages. He found himself drawn to Welsh, perceiving it as a unique connection to his love of travel and fascination with British history. “Welsh came to mind as something that I thought would be very different and unusual,” he explained. “I have no regrets. I have really enjoyed the time that I spent on it.”
As a self-taught learner, Narvil relied heavily on digital tools. He practiced daily using Duolingo and read extensively about the history of the Welsh language. Despite the challenges posed by time differences in online classes, he persevered. “I had to get up at 3 a.m. in order to do that,” Narvil recalled, referring to a preparatory online course just a week before the exam.
Exploring Wales and Practicing Welsh
Alongside the exam, Narvil and his partner, Fran Weeks, took the opportunity to explore Wales. They visited iconic sites such as Caerphilly Castle, St Davids in Pembrokeshire, and the picturesque village of Betwys-y-Coed in Conwy County. Narvil enthusiastically shared, “I made a complete circle around Wales. I went to all three national parks. I visited several castles.”
The trip allowed Narvil to practice his Welsh with locals, including shop staff and café workers. He noted that people were encouraging and patient during his conversations, which made the experience even more enjoyable. “I really enjoy trying to read the road signs or read things at the restaurant. That, to me, was very entertaining,” he said.
Although he eagerly awaits his exam results, expected in early March 2024, Narvil feels the journey has already fulfilled its purpose. “It’d been a long time since I was in a university classroom, but it brought back a lot of good memories,” he shared.
Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the support he received. “I cannot believe how encouraging everybody’s been about the exam. It’s been overwhelming, and it’s been very positive,” Narvil said. He hopes to continue his Welsh studies, contingent on the outcome of his recent exam.
Narvil’s story demonstrates not only a personal commitment to language learning but also the broader cultural connections that inspire individuals to seek new experiences. As he awaits his results, he remains optimistic about his future in Welsh, eager to explore the language further.
