link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cymrufyw/33841602
This article from Benjamin Zephaniah about the Eisteddfod is a really interesting, outsiders perspective into the festival. Zephaniah presents a really non-judgemental view of the event and makes some really excellent points overall. It’s full of quotes that would make really good references in the final essay, I think particularly about the effect it has on culture and community.
This outsiders perspective from someone who isn’t coming from a White-English/Colonial mindset or from within the welsh community is invaluable as it provides another point of view outside of that binary.
“It amazes me that almost every other person I meet can sing, and children find it natural to go on stage. I’ve worked in England trying to get kids to perform poetry and it’s hard work. Here, it just seems more natural because all children expect to do something towards the Eisteddfod at some point in their education, which is amazing”
“The Eisteddfod also strengthens people’s sense of Welshness, and brings them together. The only time I hear English is when people speak to me. Then they turn around and speak Welsh again – I like that – and on that basis alone the Eisteddfod is really worthwhile. It has real validity and has a place in today’s world”
“And because the Welsh language and culture has been under threat, people appreciate what they’ve got and they’re more willing to come together to celebrate it. If you feel that you’re losing your language, you’re losing your soul, so you will work together with your neighbour to keep it alive.”
“I treat Wales like a different country with a culture and language of its own. And if Wales is a part of Britain, then that culture is an important part of Britain – as important as Jamaican culture, Trinidadian culture or Indian culture for example.”