Name:
Boyd Williams

Title of job:
Language Teacher and Translator

Languages studied for A level:
French

Languages studied at university:
None – it was a Design course. Although I did begin to learn Italian at evening class at this point.

University:
Kingston University (London)

Best thing about the course:
Not applicable, as not a language degree course.

Where did you spend your year out?
There was no ‘year out’, however, after graduating as a Designer I spent 15 years living and working in France, Switzerland and, briefly, Portugal.

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post?
It was essential.

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
I teach Welsh, French and Italian to people in Further Education. This includes doing OCN (Open Colleges Network) excercises with them in order for them to obtain OCN Credits. Occasionally, I also help to prepare those learning Welsh to sit the WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) ‘Defnyddio’r Gymraeg’ (‘Using Welsh’) exams.

Do you use your languages frequently? If so, in which situations?
I use my Welsh daily with friends, family and colleagues, and my French and Italian with friends on the phone/e-mail and when travelling abroad.

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
For 15 years I worked as an Interior Designer for various companies in the UK, France, Switzerland and Portugal. For the last 5 years I’ve taught languages in Further Education.

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
It opens up a whole new world, as it places you in the context of a different culture, a new way of looking at the world and of living life.
It also teaches you a certain humility as you go through the long process of cultural and social assimilation into the new culture, and of learning to gain acceptance into the community as a foreigner.

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages?
Never give up, because reaching a certain level of fluency will give you access to a whole new world - or worlds if you’re learning more than one other language. It is a hugely enriching experience and all the frustrations, embarrassment and hard work is rewarded many times over!