One day, this woman anonymously reaches out to a Welsh community showing her concerns regarding her accent.

“I have a very generic southern English accent. People usually guess home counties or London. I live in London. Born in Wales to a Welsh speaking family but sent away to boarding school. So I have no Welsh accent.”

However, she insists that she has a very Welsh name. 

Because of her accent, people never realise that she actually from Wales, unless she tells them. But despite that, they do not believe her.

“People assume I am not that Welsh so they can refer to me as English or make anti-Welsh comments. I’ve even had someone tell me that the differences between the Welsh and the English are much less than between the Scots and English.”

“So I wish I had a strong Welsh accent so people wouldn’t just assume I am English. Not that there is anything at all wrong with being English, it’s just not my identity.”

Addressing her concerns, someone felt that this was her story too. She said, “Me too, because the family left the principality when I was little. Sorry to read of the anti-Welsh sentiments.”

Related:

1. Whatever the Situation, Welsh Can be Experts in Humour. Here’s Proof.
2. 10+ Pics that Prove the Welsh Have the Best Humour.
3. Weird Things People Found on Welsh Google Maps That May Surprise You.
4. People are Sharing Moments that Prove Welsh People are Really Nice and Friendly
5. 10+ Funny Welsh Duolingo Moments That Made Me Laugh So Hard, I Peed a Little
6. Welsh Photos that Will Take You Back to the Good Old Days
7. “Music Makes the Best Souvenir”—World’s Oldest Record Store to Visit in Cymru

Others replied their own methods to cope with similar incidents. “I’m from the north Wales borders and don’t have a welsh accent. It doesn’t bother me, I know I am Welsh and often return to Wales but live in the South East now.” 

“I get what you mean. On the plus side, it’s a good arsehole detector.”

A woman, with similar story, reached out to Welsh Histories sharing that her husband insists she is not Welsh. While she has been trying her best to address who is right and wrong, the Welsh community reminded her, “If you feel Welsh, then you definitely are Welsh. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.”

In the meantime, other members advised her, “There is no one factor (such as birthplace, accent, language, etc) to determine how Welsh can someone be. It all comes down to your love and respect for the culture, language, and its history.”

Do you have a story to share? Write us on [email protected]

More from Welsh Histories

Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories  Magazine.  Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.

Sally George

Sally is a proud wife of a Welshman, editor & writer of Welsh Histories. She’s all about stories—that shout ‘anything Welsh.’ Drop her an email if you have an advice, insight, experience, or a story to share.