Hi, I’m James Cuff, a passionate siaradwr newydd and the founder of Cam Cyntaf.
Growing up in Cardiff in a non-Welsh speaking family, my exposure to the language was limited.
But a trip to France for the 2016 Euros sparked a desire to connect with my Welsh heritage.
When my daughter started attending a Welsh-medium school, I decided to learn the language alongside her – and it’s been a life-changing journey!
Learning Cymraeg opened my eyes to a rich history and vibrant culture that I had been missing out on. Through tools like the “Say Something in Welsh” app, I discovered an immersive and intuitive way to learn the language, much like how children naturally pick up their first language.
I combined my love of Welsh music with my language learning journey by starting a podcast to celebrate both new and classic Welsh artists. The podcast, along with writing for a Welsh culture magazine, allowed me to share my passion and connect with a wider community.
I’m proud to have shared my language learning experiences in the media, including interviews on Radio Cymru and in Golwg magazine. I hope to inspire others to embark on their own Welsh language adventures.
As a volunteer learner’s officer and advocate for Cymraeg in my workplace, I’m committed to creating opportunities for others to learn and use the language.
But the most rewarding aspect of my journey has been sharing this special gift with my children. Speaking Cymraeg with them every day fills me with joy, and I’m excited to continue exploring this beautiful language together.
Through Cam Cyntaf, I want to empower other parents to experience the joy of raising bilingual children and rediscover the beauty of Cymraeg and its culture.