'Identities: Welshness' is a series of six public discussions that will explore what is meant by ‘Welshness’ today from various perspectives. The sessions will look at Welshness from the perspective of contributors from ethnic minorities, from the LHDTC+ community, and people of different religions. The conversations will reflect how multifaceted ‘Welshness’ is in the modern era and will stimulate important and relevant new discussions. Anyone can join online to watch the talks and take part in the discussions. All sessions are in Welsh. The event is organised in conjuction between the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Bangor University.
The sessions will be held monthly on Thursdays between 18:00-18:45:
Session #1: 13 October 2022 to coincide with Black History Month) 'In my DNA' - Natalie Jones, a teacher who discusses her work and her identity.
Session #2: 10 November 2022 (18:00) Cymru Amrywiol - Welsh Plural - Conversation and presentations by contributors to a book, Welsh Plural - Iestyn Tyne, Grug Muse, Hanan Issa (National Poet of Wales), Darren Chetty. There will be simultaneous translation.
Session #3: 15 December (18:00 - 18:45) A conversation with Joseph Gnagbo. Joseph is a former refugee from the Ivory Coast. As well as speaking French and English, he has learned Welsh since he came to Wales in 2019 and is now teaching Welsh to others. Unfortunately there will be no simultaneous translation available for this session.
Session #4: 19 January 2023 (18:00) Interfaith in Wales - a discussion with members of Welsh faith communities. Contributors will include representatives from some of the different faith communities in Wales: Laura Jones who’s Muslim and wishes to translate Islamic texts into Welsh; Kris Hughes a Druid, Prof. Nathan Abrams of the Jewish faith, and Sudha Bhatt of the Hindu Council of Wales. There will be simultaneous translation.
Session #5: 15 February (18:00) Sport for All - Prof. Laura McAllister a lecturer at Cardiff University and political commentator, former Chair of Sport Wales, and former footballer will discuss sport, women in sport and sexuality. Joining Laura will be Lloyd Lewis, a professional rugby player and Welsh language rapper, known for his song, ‘Pwy sy’n Galw?’ (who’s calling?). Note the event is on Wednesday evening, not the usual Thursday. Simultaneous translation will be available.
Session #6: 20 April 2023 (18:00) An Eisteddfod for All? How does the National Eisteddfod aim to attract and reflect contemporary Welsh speaking Wales? A discussion with Ashok Ahir (Chair of the Eisteddfod), Betsan Moses (Chief Exec of the Eisteddfod), Katie Hall (who’s the Communities Officer and a member of Chroma pop group), Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones (of Mas ar y Maes, the LGBTQ+ activities at the Eisteddfod), and Joe Healy (winner of Welsh Language Learner, 2022).
ZOOM LINK TO JOIN SESSION:
https://bangor-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/96665711977?pwd=NE8rRVFJV3daMndJUUt6RGZPVVdzQT09
Meeting ID: 966 6571 1977
Password: 878559
