Welsh Language and Culture

Wales has two languages. English is the most widely spoken, with over 99% of people in Wales speaking it. But the Welsh language is also a part of everyday life. It’s spoken by more than half a million people, taught in schools, and celebrated at festivals. It's also seen in place names, on street signs, and heard on television as well as radio channels. It has a thriving music scene of its own, and Welsh-language films and TV programs are catching on outside of Wales. International students have the opportunity to learn Welsh whilst studying in Wales, and most universities offer free classes. 

Wales enjoys a centuries-old tradition of folklore, poetry, music, and intellectualism. The culture is quite distinct from elsewhere in the British Isles. By coming to study in Wales, students will be able to explore traditions, language, and heritage – including Wales’ famous castles, of which there are more than 600.

Welsh culture is everywhere. It’s something that can be seen at a performance of the Welsh National Opera, during the pre-match build-up for a Six Nations rugby game at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, or at one of the vibrant music and arts festivals.

Sport is extremely important in Welsh culture, especially rugby union and football (soccer). Three football teams play in the English Football League. Cardiff FC and Swansea FC have played in the Premier League, and Wrexham FC has recently grown in popularity after being bought by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Every Spring, the International Six Nations tournament takes place across Cardiff. Up to 90,000 rugby fans attend, and, if you’re lucky enough, you can see the rivalry of Wales playing England when studying in Wales. 

Food is also an important part of Welsh culture. Traditional meals include fish and chips, Welsh rarebit (seasoned melted cheese poured over toasted bread), Laverbread (seaweed, traditionally served at breakfast with some bacon), cawl (a meat soup), Welsh cakes (a biscuit that’s like cake), bara brith (spiced fruit bread) as well as the Glamorgan sausage (a vegetarian sausage made from cheese). In modern times, these are enjoyed alongside new favorites from India, America, and China, like chicken tikka masala, hamburgers, and chow mein. 

Notable figures in Welsh culture include authors Roald Dahl and Ken Follet, actors Anthony Hopkins, Christian Bale, Michael Sheen, Taron Egerton, Catherine Zeta-Jones, musicians Tom Jones and Charlotte Church, and who could forget world-famous poet Dylan Thomas. Wales is also growing in popularity with Hollywood stars, like Tom Hardy, Forest Whittaker, and Lin Manuel Miranda.

Wales's national animal is the Welsh Dragon, and its national plants are the leek and the daffodil.

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