How much do you know about Welsh? Let me guess:

• There's a severe shortage of vowels
• Welsh place names are unpronounceable
• Wales has the UK's longest place name
• It sounds 'gutteral' - like someone clearing their throat
• Most words in modern Welsh are borrowed from English, and Welsh is a dialect of English.

These are common beliefs, but only one of them is right!

Myth 1: Lack of vowels

Welsh actually has more vowels than English, because 'w' and 'y' are also vowels. So it has seven vowels overall.

Myth 2: Hard to pronounce

Welsh is a phonetic language. Once you learn the rules, place names are easy, and spoken exactly how they're written - no exceptions. Unlike places like Gloucester, Leicester, Derby and Bicester...

Myth 5: Longest place name in the UK

This one is actually true! The longest place name in the UK is Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. If you disentangle it, it all has meaning. But let's not forget that it was manufactured by the locals to attract Victorian tourists keen on photography and rail travel!

First, from enthusiastic learners: "We’ve all had experience either of Wales, Cornwall or languages not encountered every day (such as Estonian). Hitherto, however, Welsh has been a bit of a closed book! This u3a Group, which covers both Welsh language and culture allows us to explore what Welshness means and learn this new language pretty much from scratch."

Next, from re-learners: “As I've grown older, my Welsh roots have started to tug, and I was delighted when the opportunity arose to revisit the language I've always regarded as my native tongue.”

And, finally, from our fluent speakers: “Need we say more than quote the last line of our national anthem: ‘O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.’ (Google Translate is pretty good!)

Are there any u3a groups out there, I wonder, learning Gallic, Irish, Manx, Cornish or Breton?