496 lines
18 KiB
Plaintext
496 lines
18 KiB
Plaintext
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
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From: james@wrs.com (James Moore)
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Subject: Re: Learning Welsh
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Message-ID: <james.728180104@wrs.com>
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Sender: news@wrs.com (News Manager)
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Organization: Wind River Systems
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Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1993 00:15:04 GMT
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Lines: 486
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This was sent to welsh-l recently:
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(to get information about welsh-l send "info welsh-l" to
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listserv@irlearn.bitnet)
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Resources for adult learners of Welsh
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-------------------------------------
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Here's the latest version of the Welsh learning resources file. This is
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an edited version of information contributed by various people (on
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WELSH-L and soc.culture.celtic) concerning resources for adult learners of
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Welsh. The comments are by various of these contributors. A general
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acknowledgement is given at the end of this file.
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If anyone can offer additions or corrections to this, I'd be grateful for
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the information.
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Briony Williams (briony@cstr.ed.ac.uk)
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1 GENERAL MATERIALS
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--------------------
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1.1 Welsh Joint Education Committee
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------------------------------------
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The Welsh Joint Education committee has published a pamphlet called "Dysgu
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Cymraeg? - All you need to know about Learning Welsh" which has a lot of
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addresses. Write to:
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WJEC/Cyd-bwyllgor Addysg Cymru, 245 Rhodfa'r Gorllewin, Caerdydd/Cardiff,
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Cymru/Wales, CF5 2YX, UK.
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1.2 Welsh Books Council
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------------------------
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The Welsh Books Council/Cyngor Llyfrau Cymraeg has a couple of leaflets on
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materials for learning Welsh: "Rhestr ddethol o ddeunyddiau ar gyfer
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dysgu'r Gymraeg/Select list of materials for learning Welsh" by Miranda
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Morton & "Rhestr ddethol o lyfrau addas i ddysgwyr/A select list of books
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for Welsh learners" by Jo Knell. Write to:
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Cyngor Llyfrau Cymraeg, Castell Brychan, Abersytwyth, Dyfed, Cymru/Wales,
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SY23 2JB, UK.
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'Llais Llyfrau' <The voice of books> is a quarterly magazine for keeping in
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touch with both Welsh language and English language books of Welsh interest.
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It is available from the above address.
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2 SELF-STUDY COURSES
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----------------------
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2.1 "Now you're talking"
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-------------------------
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There is a multimedia course called "Now you're talking", produced partly
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by S4C (the Welsh TV channel). This is a series of TV programmes, some
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of which are available on video (both UK and USA format), together with
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an accompanying workbook, audio tapes, a basic dictionary containing all
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the words used plus some, and various other publications (including Welsh
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Christmas cards!). There are packages for both beginners and improvers.
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The address to write to is:
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Acen, "Now you're talking", Bocs 4000, Caerdydd/Cardiff,
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Cymru/Wales CF5 2XT, UK.
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The first-year package recently cost (in pounds) 27.95 for a work-file set,
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14.95 for each of 2 sets of audio cassettes, and 17.95 for the video pack.
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Comments:
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The course teaches both North Welsh and South Welsh variations on vocabulary
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(though English-speaking learners generally find South Welsh easier - it has
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fewer vowels). It concentrates on conversational spoken Welsh, rather than
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the literary language, and aims to get people talking as soon as possible.
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The videos provide an excellent introduction to the language, culture and
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history of Wales; each episode is set in a different town and discusses the
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local dialect, history and legends.
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2.2 "Catchphrase"
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------------------
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"Catchphrase" course (books and audio tapes), published by the BBC and Sain.
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In the USA, this is available from Waldenbooks, around $125 (US) for the
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first set in the series.
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To obtain it by post, try contacting the Welsh books council at:
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Y Cyngor Llyfrau Cymraeg, Castell Brychan, Aberystwyth,
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Dyfed, SY23 2JB, WALES. They would also be able to recommend other things.
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BBC Wales/Cymru, Broadcasting House/Canolfan y BBC, Llantrisant Road,
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Llandaff, Cardiff/Caerdydd, CF5 2YQ, Wales/Cymru.
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Comment:
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I have the Catchphrase books and cassettes. They are helpful, but I can't
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understand why one must listen to Englishmen learning Welsh. I'd much rather
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have it all spoken by native Welsh speakers.
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I've seen "Catchphrase" but it didn't impress me; I've heard a tremendous
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amount of good press for "The A B C of Welsh", a book-and-tapes set, though.
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2.3 "Teach Yourself Welsh"
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---------------------------
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'Teach Yourself Welsh', 1991 by T. Rhys Jones (book and audio tape).
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There are now three versions of "Teach Yourself Welsh." The oldest
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(now almost impossible to find) teaches literary Welsh. The next edition
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was 'Teach Yourself Living Welsh', by T. Rhys Jones. This is the version
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you can still find in America. The very latest (the 1991 book) is only out
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in Britain, but comes with an audio cassette.
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Comments:
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I found it to be very good. The grammar lessons are very light
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and are followed up immediately by dialogues and practical examples. Very
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rewarding, understanding the 1st dialogue after the 1st grammar lesson!
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The audio cassette is very helpful.
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[Of the newest edition:] Its only problem is that it doesn't translate
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the dialogues anymore, which can be very frustrating.
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3 DICTIONARIES
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---------------
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NB: No Welsh dictionary has any indication of pronunciation.
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3.1 The Collins/Spurrell Welsh dictionary
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------------------------------------------
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'Spurrell's Welsh-English Dictionary', 1991 edn pub HarperCollins Publishers.
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Welsh/English, English/Welsh.
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ISBN 0-00-433549-X
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Small, cheap, handy size, limited number of words.
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Comment:
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Not very good. It's about all you can find in your local mall
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bookstore, though.
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3.2 Y Geiriadur Mawr
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---------------------
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'Y Geiriadur Mawr' <The Large Dictionary>, ed. H.M. Evans & W.O. Thomas, pub.
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Christopher Davies, Swansea. (7th edn. 1976 - there may be more recent ones).
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[No ISBN given]
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Welsh/English, English/Welsh.
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Large, detailed, contains many archaic words.
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Comment:
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Definitely the best dictionary, though a bit unwieldy.
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I find it rather old-fashioned and written more for Welsh speakers
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than English speakers.
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3.3 Geiriadur Termau
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Geiriadur Termau (Dictionary of terms)
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Cymraeg-Saesneg, English-Welsh. 544 pages.
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Golygydd/Editor: Jac L. Williams
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Publisher: Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru, Caerdydd (University of Wales Press,
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Cardiff), 1973.
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ISBN: 0-7083-0999-2
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>From the Introduction: 'This dictionary reflects the effort of many people
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engaged in education in Wales to produce lists of terms required for the
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teaching of a number of school subjects through the medium of Welsh.'
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Comment:
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Seems quite comprehensive, but is probably more use to intermediate or
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advanced learners than to beginners.
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3.4 Y Geiriadur Newydd
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'Y Geiriadur Newydd' <The new dictionary>, pub. Christopher Davies, Swansea.
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A more compact version of Y Geiriadur Mawr.
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Comment:
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I use Y Geiriadur Newydd, as it consists essentially of the modern Welsh part
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of Y Geiriadur Mawr (all the obsolete words removed).
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3.5 Y Geiriadur Bach
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---------------------
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'Y Geiriadur Bach' <The small dictionary>, pub. Christopher Davies, Swansea.
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Welsh/English, English/Welsh.
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Small, genuinely pocket-sized, tiny type, limited number of words.
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Comment:
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Y Geiriadur Bach is my favourite dictionary - easy to carry around, good
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info etc.
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3.6 Y Geiriadur Cyfoes
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-----------------------
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'Y Geiriadur Cyfoes' <The contemporary dictionary>
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Comment:
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This is nothing more than a word-list and doesn't deserve the
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name "dictionary".
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3.7 Y Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru
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-------------------------------
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'Y Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru' <The Welsh university dictionary>
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Comment:
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This is the only good dictionary in Welsh - unfortunately, it
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weighs a ton, and only covers words from "a" to "obo" at the present time
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(new parts arrive regularly). One day they promise to publish a complete
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CD-ROM version, but I don't see it happening before the next century.
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3.8 The Great Dictionary
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-------------------------
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Comment:
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Those in the know may have heard about the Great Dictionary being
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produced at UCNW [University College of North Wales] Bangor. It is primarily
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English-to-Welsh, but it will have a Welsh-to-English cross-reference. It is
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a truly complete dictionary, with every possible expression or word-use in
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English painstakingly reproduced and explained in Welsh. It's huge.
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Unfortunately, it's been in production for about eighteen years, which is
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15 years longer than anybody thought it would take.
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The good news is that it looks to be coming out some time in 1993! Save
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up your pennies, dysgwyr [learners], it is sure to be indispensable. And
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expensive. As I said, it's huge. Bigger than the Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru.
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4 GRAMMAR BOOKS, ETC.
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----------------------
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NB: These books are all in English.
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4.1 Gramadeg Cymraeg Cyfoes
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----------------------------
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Gramadeg Cymraeg Cyfoes (Contemporary Welsh Grammar), published by
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D. Brown a'i Feibion Cyf., Y Bontfaen, Morgannwg (D. Brown and Sons Ltd.,
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Y Bontfaen, Glamorgan). 1976. Produced by the National Language Unit
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of Wales. [No ISBN number given in book].
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From the Foreword: 'This grammar of standardised colloquial Welsh first
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appeared as part of an 'O' level text book Cymraeg Cyfoes III intended
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for use in schools. Demand for a similar description of spoken Welsh
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grammar resulted in the publication of this book.'
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Comment:
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Clearly presented, deals with the actual spoken language rather than the
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literary form, seems comprehensive enough.
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A very good reference book for Welsh grammar.
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I second this recommendation. I found this grammar much more useful than
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the others recommended.
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4.2 Y Geiriau Bach
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-------------------
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Y Geiriau Bach: Idioms for Welsh learners
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Author: Cennard Davies
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Publisher: J. D. Lewis a'i Feibion Cyf. (J. D. Lewis and Sons Ltd.),
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Gwasg Gomer, Llandysul, Dyfed, Cymru/Wales. 1987
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ISBN: 0-86383-332-2
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Contains Welsh idiomatic expressions with English translations. Each
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idiom has an example of usage in Welsh, with an English translation.
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Comment:
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Fascinating! More for intermediate learners than for beginners.
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It covers the more subtle meanings of common prepositions and particles,
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4.3 A Guide to Correct Welsh
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A Guide to Correct Welsh
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Author: Morgan D. Jones
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Publisher: J. D. Lewis a'i Feibion Cyf. (J. D. Lewis and Sons Ltd.),
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Gwasg Gomer, Llandysul, Dyfed, Cymru/Wales. 1976, 1990 (Two printings).
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SBN: 85088-441-1
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Grammar-book in English giving both the new colloquial and the traditional
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literary usage. More detail than Gramadeg Cymraeg Cyfoes.
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Comment:
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Tends towards the more formal use of the language. May have more detail
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than a learner wants at his/her stage, so it's more for intermediate or
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advanced learners than for beginners.
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5 SPECIALIST WELSH BOOKSHOPS
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-----------------------------
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Siop Pendref, 12-14 Cae Ffynnon, Bangor, Gwynedd, Cymru/Wales LL57 1ER, UK.
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Oriel, Heol Ty'r Brodyr, Caerdydd/Cardiff, Cymru/Wales, UK.
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[also books by mail order]
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Y Lolfa, Talybont, Dyfed, Cymru/Wales, SY24 5HE, UK.
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Tel: From within the UK: Talybont (097-086) 304
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From outside the UK: 011-44-97086-304
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Talybont's phone numbers were supposed to change in 1992. If the
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above doesn't work, try (0970) 832-304 / 011-44-970-832304
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6 MAGAZINES
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6.1 Prentis
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There is a magazine for Welsh learners, 'Prentis' <'apprentice'>,
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published six times a year. Write for current charges to:
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Prentis, Gwasg Taf Cyf., 99 Heol Woodville, Cathays, Caerdydd/Cardiff,
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Cymru/Wales, CF2 4DY, UK.
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Comment:
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It's almost a Welsh course in itself - each issue starts with
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material for beginners, and ends with quite advanced stuff. So with each
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issue you progress a little further.
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6.2 Mela
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'Mela' <'honey-gathering'> is a women's magazine in Welsh, and is not
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specifically aimed at learners. It is published monthly by:
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Mela, Stiwdio Mei, 32 Stryd yr Wyddfa, Pen-y-groes, Caernarfon, Gwynedd,
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Cymru/Wales, LL54 6NG, UK.
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7 RESIDENTIAL COURSES
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7.1 In general
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---------------
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The Welsh Joint Education committee has published a pamphlet called "Dysgu
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Cymraeg? - All you need to know about Learning Welsh" which has a lot of
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addresses. Write to:
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WJEC/Cyd-bwyllgor Addysg Cymru, 245 Rhodfa'r Gorllewin, Caerdydd/Cardiff,
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Cymru/Wales, CF5 2YX, UK.
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Another address for the WJEC, for information on Welsh classes in Wales:
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WJEC, Ty Arlbee, Heol y Brodyr Llwydion, Caerdydd (Cardiff), Cymru (Wales).
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7.2 National Language Centre
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-----------------------------------
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Canolfan Iaith Genedlaethol (National Language Centre), Nant Gwrtheyrn,
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Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, Cymru/Wales, LL53 6PA, UK.
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Tel. From within UK: Llithfaen (075 885) 334/335
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From outside UK: +44-75-885-334/335
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This is one of the most famous residential Welsh language learning centres.
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Comment:
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They are quite cheap, and open all the year round (I spent 20 days
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there in February a couple of years back, and got individual tutorship for
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much of the time, being one of the few people there at that time of year).
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Their Prospectus 1992-93 contains info on their own courses and a lot of info
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on other courses in Wales (also correspondance-courses).
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7.3 Hill College, Abergavenny
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There are courses for learners of Welsh at all levels at the Hill
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College, Abergavenny, Wales.
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Courses are the weekends of 16-18 Oct 92 and 29-31 Jan 93
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Cost is approx 70 pounds for the weekend, fully residential.
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For more details, contact:
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The Hill Residential College, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Gwent, NP7 7RP
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Telephone: From within UK: 0873-855221
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From outside UK: +44-873-855221
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Fax: 0873-854817
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7.4 University of Wales
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------------------------
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The Extramural Studies Department at Bangor offers "wlpan" (intensive
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Welsh-learning courses).
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Try Aberystwyth's Welsh department if you want to do a university course
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on Welsh as a non-Welsh speaker.
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8 OVERSEAS RESOURCES
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If there are others in the San Francisco Bay Area
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interested in out of the ordinary books on
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Celtic themes, I would suggest Alicorn Books in The City.
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9 MISCELLANEOUS
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9.1 The London Welsh Centre
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----------------------------
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The London Welsh Centre is at:
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157 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1 (071 837 3722 and 071 837 4873)
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Lots of events happen there, including a Welsh choir which regularly has
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attendences of over 80 people! I don't know if it's mixed voices or just men.
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9.2 Plaid Cymru
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----------------
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Plaid Cymru [the Welsh Nationalist Party] has a London branch (contact via
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Plaid Cymru's head office at:
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51 Heol yr Eglwys Gadeiriol, Caerdydd/Cardiff, Cymru/Wales, UK.
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9.3 The London Welsh School
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------------------------
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The London Welsh school (day school for children aged 4-11, nursery school)
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265 Willesden Lane, London, NW2 5JG Tel: 081 459 2690
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9.4 The Celtic League
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----------------------
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The Celtic League. Contact: Merfyn Phillips, Parc y Ffrier, Llandudnoch,
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Dyfed, Cymru/Wales, UK.
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9.5 The London Association for Celtic Education
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------------------------------------------------
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LACE (The London Association for Celtic Education) - contact:
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LACE, Roger Casement Irish Centre, Eastgate Building, 131 St John's Way,
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London, N19 071 281 3225
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9.6 Welsh classes in London
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----------------------------
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Craig Cockburn (cockburn@edieng.enet.dec.com) has details on various Welsh
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classes in London.
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10 BRETON AND CORNISH
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----------------------
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10.1 Breton info
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-----------------
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Prof J Ian Press, Russian, Queen Mary and Westfield College,
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University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS (071 975 555)
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may be able to assist with Breton, and there is a Breton correspondence
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course available through:
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Skol Ober, Gwaremm, Leurven, 22310 Plufur, Bretagne, via France
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10.2 Cornish info
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------------------
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The Cornish Language board:
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Secretary: Wella Brown, Chi an Gell, 9 Frith Road, Saltash, Kernow/Cornwall
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There is a London Cornish Association, and an active Cornish society based
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at the City Lit, Stukely Street, Drury Lane, WC2B 5LJ 071-242 9872
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Grateful thanks are due to the following for their contributions:
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homerk@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu (Kimberley Homer)
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warrenk@cix.compulink.co.uk (Warren Kovach)
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jdick@umd5.umd.edu (Judith Dick)
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brynach@vax.ox.ac.uk (Sio+n Brynach)
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Donna@Clemson.edu (Donna White)
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briony@cstr.ed.ac.uk (Briony Williams)
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johansc@hedda.uio.no (Johan Schimanski)
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jtm@COM.SLB.FGS.FGSSU1 (John T. McCranie)
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librik@cory.berkeley.edu (David Librik)
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kakleman@acpub.duke.edu (Kubilay Akleman)
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spxsjm@CF.THOR (Mr S J Morris)
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cockburn@COM.DEC.ENET.EDIENG (Craig Cockburn)
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--
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James Moore /|\ james@wrs.com
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Wind River Systems \|/ Alameda, California
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"Half of what he said meant something else, and the other half
|
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didn't mean anything at all"
|