Languages |
French Conversation What we do: Sorry, these groups are now full. We now have 5 French Conversation Groups catering for various levels of ability. There is also a French reading group (improvers level) which continues to meet via Zoom and there may be some vacancies in this class. We try to make the lessons enjoyable as well as instructive: for example, in the more advanced class we might have some grammar revision, and then read a French newspaper or magazine article to stimulate discussion, or we might listen to some music or read a poem., or read a French novel. The Internet is an excellent source of material for classes these days, providing lots of useful vocabulary and it gives an insight into the French viewpoint on topical issues. For anyone who loves France we aim to provide an opportunity to keep in touch with the living language and with French life. Meeting Area: Sketty Park Meeting Day: Tuesdays AM (beginners and improvers) and Thursdays AM (advanced) |
What we do: This group has been going for a couple of years. We study novels and plays in order to increase vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. It’s also the base for discussion. Most members feel they are able to converse with locals when visiting French speaking places. It’s a very friendly and welcoming group I have now a big waiting list and I feel it will be unfair to let people join it. Meeting Area: Sketty Park Meeting Day: Wednesdays AM |
This is a weekly, online Reading group for those who enjoy reading in French and would like to continue to improve their French language skills. We have read a variety of books, including detective stories, short stories and graded readers, all of which have been written and designed for language learners at CEFR levels A2 – B2. (Common European Framework of Reference) What we do: We each read aloud a few paragraphs which we summarise in English, aiming for comprehension and gist rather than a perfect translation. We enjoy discussing, in English, whatever we find to be of interest, the plot, characters, French culture, vocabulary, pronunciation or grammar. From time to time, in an attempt to enhance our learning, we listen to a French song which shares similar themes with our reading material. Meeting Area: Zoom Meeting Meeting Day: Thursdays AM |
German What we do:
The German Group has been running since June 2011 and now numbers about 12 so we are close to full capacity, but if anyone is interested in joining, please contact us as we may have some vacancies. All the members of the group have some previous knowledge of German, whether from school or evening classes, or from contact through work. Meetings are structured around a variety of activities – conversation, basic grammar revision, cultural insights and a little reading of selected texts. Consolidation of grammar points is encouraged through set homework. The group enjoys working and having fun together. For Christmas we usually have a party and all try to bake (or buy in Lidl!) German style foods like Apfelstrudel and Stollen. This year we each performed a “party piece” which showed off our skills, or lack of them. We have had 3 trips to Germany, which have been great fun and given us an insight into a fascinating country. Meeting Area: Mayals Meeting Day: Thursdays PM |
What we do:
Nigel, a retired language teacher and university lecturer, runs a class for those with 2-3+ years’ knowledge and experience of German, who are looking to increase their knowledge of German language and culture, by means of a course that focuses on comprehension and conversation, including some grammar and book-based topics. We look at short items/interviews from a website, followed by a video “soap opera”, also on the Internet.
This class is now full, and can’t take on any new members Meeting Area: Newton Meeting Day: Wednesdays AM |
 German Intermediate Reading
What we do: From time to time, in an attempt to enhance our learning, we listen to a German song which shares similar themes with our reading material. Meeting Area: Zoom Meeting Meeting Day: Mondays AM |
Greek (Modern) What we do: The Group is for anyone interested in the language, life and culture of Greece. Each session usually includes some Greek grammar, some reading and translation from Greek to English and either a game or a short talk about an aspect of Greek life. All the current members of the Group have some knowledge of Greek. The group is full at the moment but if you would like to put your name on the waiting list please use the Email link above. Meeting Area: Sketty Park Meeting Day: Wednesday - 12 noon.
Latin - intermediate and more advanced To find out more about this Group, Email What we do: This group is full at the moment, use the Email link above to join the waiting list. Meeting Area: Uplands Meeting Day: Tuesdays AM Spanish Improvers Group 1 What we do: This group is aimed at those who already have a basic level of Spanish. We follow a course book, with topic areas to enable learners to have a simple conversation in Spanish and gain some understanding of Spanish Grammar. It will make use of resources such as the internet, textbook and a basic level story book. Meetings will be held weekly with breaks for holidays.
Meeting Area: Sketty Meeting Day: Monday PM
Spanish Improvers Group 2 To find out more about this Group, Email What we do: This group is aimed at those who already have a basic level of Spanish. We follow a course book, with topic areas to enable learners to have a simple conversation in Spanish and gain some understanding of Spanish Grammar. It will make use of resources such as the internet, textbook and a basic level story book. Meetings will be held weekly with breaks for holidays. Meeting Area: Sketty Meeting Day: Monday PM
Spanish Improvers What we do: The group is running at full strength, with ten members & we have been running for several years, morphing from a beginners’ class to our current status as “improvers”. This means that members of this group require 2-5 years of Spanish experience We meet for conversation & coffee after a paid lesson from our Spanish teacher, Danny Alonso. In our U3A hour we try to cover all aspects of the language & culture & make use of the internet, text books & CDs. We are a very friendly group & enjoy meals out at various times in the year, celebrating Christmas or “end of term”.
Meeting Area: Sketty Park Meeting Day: Wednesday AM
 Welsh Conversation (Sgwrs Cymraeg) What we do: We provide an opportunity for those with sufficient grasp of the Welsh language, or those with a lapsed use of the language, to refresh their skills and develop more confidence and/or competence in conversing within an informal, friendly group setting. The aim is to achieve a level where the use of Welsh predominates and to maintain that level. English will be used whenever there is a need to help group members gain a clearer understanding of any aspects of Welsh grammar, vocabulary or dialect that present difficulties. The group is well established and has members with sufficient experience of Welsh to assist new members to settle in and maintain a flow of conversation. Meeting Area: Microsoft Teams Meeting Day: Tuesday AM |