Which languages do you speak?
English, French and German, some Welsh and a little Spanish. I studied French and German at university and have O levels in Welsh and Spanish. Have done various Welsh courses since coming back from university. My French and German are rustier than they should be, but still there somewhere!

Why did you choose to study languages?
I wanted to study languages since I was eight, when I met my first German penfriend on holiday in Spain. I was fascinated by her language and frustrated by the fact we couldn't talk to each other properly.

Have you had the opportunity to travel overseas with Wales Today?
Have only got as far as London so far, but quite a few of my colleagues have covered stories abroad involving Welsh people, so hopefully I'll get that opportunity soon.

Do you use your languages in your job?
I use Welsh the most. Even though we broadcast in English on Wales Today, we often interview Welsh speakers and it helps break the ice. I have used French and German though too: most recently I interviewed some German Dylan Thomas fans who were visiting Swansea. It's always a useful skill to have and you never know when you're going to need it.

Do you find that learning other languages has benefited your communication skills?
It definitely has done so in my case. Learning other languages has made me more aware of the structure of English and it's also increased my confidence when it comes to meeting people and talking to them.

As in your case, many reporters and journalists such as Huw Edwards and Fiona Bruce have studied languages. Why do you think that linguists tend to make good journalists and reporters?
I think a natural curiosity and sociable streak help in languages and journalism. Both involve meeting people and learning about their situation, so a love of communication helps hugely.

Have your languages been an advantage to you in your career? If so, in what way?
I can't see that they've ever been or could ever be a disadvantage. I've already said that languages have helped my communication skills and confidence. They've also helped my writing skills, which of course is a good thing in journalism.

Would you recommend language learning to other young people who wish to break into the media?
I would definitely recommend learning languages if you want to work in the media. Spending time abroad broadens your mind and can make you more experienced and mature, all of which helps when trying to find a job. You don't need a degree in media studies to work in the media but good communication and writing skills really help.

Do you feel that speaking another language has enhanced your life as a
whole?
Yes I do. I was an au pair in Paris and Germany for a year before university and was an English assistant at a school in Germany during the third year of my degree. Both these experiences and my time at university broadened my mind, increased my confidence and gave me friends for life. I would never have had half the experiences and adventures, or met half the people I did meet if I hadn't done languages. Since university as well I've realized that you feel much less vulnerable and isolated when travelling, if you can speak more than English and as a result trips abroad can be a lot more rewarding.

Do you have any funny stories about misunderstandings involving languages?
When I first went to Germany as an au pair, I'd just spent six months in France, so my German was a bit rusty. When the German family asked me what the French Dad did for a living, I couldn't remember the word for naval officer so thought I'd say sailor. But instead of Matrose, I said Matratze, which means mattress! They must have thought I was really odd.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Only that as far as I can see, learning languages is extremely rewarding and can only be an advantage. I can't think of how it could ever be a disadvantage. You can work for a long time in life and in my case the experiences I've had living abroad still sustain me now and provide me with many happy memories.