Let’s dive into Smith’s journey of embracing Welsh culture right in the heart of London.
It all started when Smith, mingling with the local railway crew who spoke Welsh fluently, felt a pang of guilt every time they switched to English just for him.
Even passengers threw in a few Welsh queries now and then.
So, Smith took matters into his own hands and decided to dive headfirst into learning the language.
Fast forward a few years, and you’ll find a tight-knit crew of railway workers occasionally gathering in the capital.
Smith recalls, “We were riding the Victoria line one evening, a bit merry from the pub, eyeballing the tube map.
Suddenly, we thought, ‘Why not translate this into Welsh?’”
With a couple of dreary days at home and some help from Londonist, Smith embarked on the mammoth task of Welshifying the tube map.
“It was quite the adventure, learning new English words while honing my Welsh skills,” Smith chuckles.
“Take Bethnal Green, for example. It became ‘Maestrohapus,’ which roughly translates to ‘Happy Corner Green’.”
Of course, not every station name played nice. Harrow’s meaning, ‘heathen temple,’ threw a curveball. “I dug deep and settled on ‘Cangell,’ which carries a sense of ‘sanctuary,’” explains Smith.
Navigating through the sea of ‘woods’ and ‘roads’ in London names proved another challenge. “I had to dodge repetition like a pro,” Smith admits.
When it came to stations named after people, Smith opted to keep the original names (albeit in Welsh spelling) to honour their legacy.
So, Baker Street morphed into ‘Stryd Bacr,’ paying homage to William Baker.
“I couldn’t have done it without Lisa and Elen, my Welsh-speaking pals,” Smith acknowledges.
But, like any good adventure, Smith admits there might be a few bumps along the Welsh road. “I’m still a Welsh learner, so forgive any wonky language or typos,” Smith says with a grin.
And let’s not forget the subtle differences between North and South Walian Welsh, which Smith is navigating like a pro.
As a Londoner, I find Smith’s dedication to embracing Welsh culture within the bustling metropolis of London quite admirable.
It’s heartening to see someone going the extra mile to connect with their fellow railway workers and passengers by learning their native language.
The initiative to translate the tube map into Welsh shows a deep appreciation for linguistic diversity and a desire to create inclusivity within the community.
Moreover, Smith’s journey of learning Welsh while also delving into the etymology of station names adds a layer of depth to the city’s rich tapestry of cultures.
It’s a testament to the melting pot that is London, where people from all walks of life come together to share their stories and traditions.
However, as with any linguistic endeavor, there are bound to be challenges and nuances to navigate.
Smith’s acknowledgment of potential language errors and the differences between North and South Walian Welsh demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn.
Overall, Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the power of language to bridge divides and foster connections, even in the bustling urban landscape of London.
It’s a testament to the city’s vibrant and inclusive spirit, where diversity is celebrated and embraced at every turn.
