An American man has traveled approximately 4,000 miles to sit for a Welsh-language exam, showcasing his dedication to learning a language that many might consider a challenge. Jeff Narvil, a 58-year-old administrative law judge from Jackson, Mississippi, undertook this journey after spending the past 14 months studying Welsh primarily on his own.
Narvil set out to the University of Cardiff in January 2024 to take the A1 language exam, which evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. His self-directed learning included various resources such as apps, textbooks, and online platforms. Narvil expressed that the more time he dedicated to learning Welsh, the more he enjoyed the experience, stating, “I enjoyed it, or I would have quit, because nobody made me do this.”
The journey to Wales was not solely for the exam; Narvil planned to immerse himself in the culture and language during the week leading up to the test. He found joy in practicing his Welsh skills, whether it was reading road signs or engaging with locals at restaurants. He remarked that the interactions made him feel welcomed, enhancing his learning experience.
Narvil’s passion for languages extends beyond Welsh. He previously achieved European A2 levels in French, Spanish, and German, and A1 in Italian and Irish. His interest in the Welsh language ignited approximately 15 years ago while studying other Celtic languages.
Reflecting on his choice to learn Welsh, Narvil said, “I thought it was a great connection to my love of travel, and my love of my ancestors, and British history – and I have no regrets.” He emphasized that the availability of an exam served as a motivational deadline, pushing him to prepare thoroughly.
Despite the challenges of being a self-taught learner, including a significant time difference, Narvil found ways to make his study routine effective. He dedicated himself to using the Duolingo app daily and read extensively about the history of the Welsh language. He recounted the difficulties of scheduling online lessons due to the time difference, stating, “I had to get up at 3 a.m. to prepare for the exam.”
While he was eager to participate in classes, the lack of Welsh speakers in Mississippi posed a significant hurdle. He acknowledged the importance of having someone to practice with, saying, “Nobody can correct my pronunciation if I learned it incorrectly.” In hindsight, he expressed that hiring a tutor might have been beneficial.
Alongside the exam, Narvil and his partner, Fran Weeks, explored various sites across Wales, including Caerphilly Castle, St Davids in Pembrokeshire, and other notable locations. He noted, “I made the best of it. I made a complete circle around Wales. I went to all three national parks and visited several castles.” His deep interest in genealogy also motivated them to visit historical sites related to their ancestry.
Narvil had the opportunity to practice his Welsh with local shop staff and café workers, who were supportive and encouraging throughout his learning journey. Although he has not yet received his exam results, which are expected in early March 2024, he feels that simply taking the exam was a rewarding achievement.
He noted, “It’d been a long time since I was in a university classroom… it’s been overwhelming, and it’s been very, very positive.” As he awaits his results, Narvil remains hopeful about his future studies in Welsh, stating, “If I passed it, then maybe I could continue to go a little further beyond day one.”
