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Photo_of_Gareth
bullet Name: Gareth Llewelyn

bullet Date of Birth:

bullet Occupation: Rugby player for Wales and Narbonne, France

bullet Languages: German and learning French

What languages did you learn at school?
Welsh and German

Did you ever think when you were back in school that you would travel so much, or find languages to be useful?
No

How are you finding life in France? What are the main differences between life in Narbonne and life in Wales?
The weather is warmer, lunches are longer and the lifestyle is more laid back.

How are you coping with French lessons?
Very well, having one a week and picking up loads off the other players.

Do you have any funny stories about the problems and misunderstandings (communication problems) that can arise when you are abroad?
The boys told me to accent 'Merci beaucoup' differently. I later found out I was saying 'Thank you, nice bum!'

Would you recommend that young sportspeople learn a foreign language? What would you say to school pupils who are considering dropping their foreign language at the age of 14?
You never know what doors it will open for you in the future

Do you think that being able to speak some Welsh helps when learning another language?
I don't speak much Welsh, but the sentence constructions are similar and also some words.

What's the best thing about being able to work abroad?
The climate

...and the worst thing?
Being away from the family

Do you know of any other rugby players who have mastered a foreign language?
Lots of overseas players in France speak French and many of the French speak English.

Last updated: January 5 2006
E-mail: llinos.jones@ciltcymru.org.uk