Sing along to this video.
Please note: The translations in brackets are direct translations for vocabulary and understanding; they are not intended to be sung. The English lyrics sung as part of the Tôn Gron (round) are different.
Note Professor Mererid Hopwood’s play on words here: dragón in Spanish and dragon in English look almost identical but are pronounced differently, before the song moves to the Welsh word, draig.
Dwi’n hoffi siarad Sbaeneg, (I like speaking Spanish)
a Saesneg a Chymraeg, (and English and Welsh)
A dysgu gair fel ‘dragon’, (And learning a word like ‘dragon’)
‘dragon’ ac yna ‘draig.’ (‘dragon’ and then ‘draig’.)
I love the Spanish language,
And Welsh and English too,
And one day when I’m older
I’ll come and visit you.
Me gustan los guanacos, (I like guanacos)
me gusta el fútbol, (I like football)
Me gustan los chubascos, (I like the squally showers)
me gusta más el sol. (I like the sun more)
Tôn Gron literally means “a round tune” – a song sung as a musical round, like Frère Jacques. This simple song has three verses – one each in Welsh, English and Spanish – all using the same tune. It’s a fun way to introduce the phrase “I like” and build vocabulary around different themes and countries.
To build learners’ confidence using the phrase “I like” and introduce new vocabulary in different languages.
Start by looking at the lyrics in each language and listening to each line. Once learners are familiar with the words, add the music – with or without the singers.
Try dividing the class into groups, with each group singing in a different language. When they’re ready, have a go at singing it as a round – just like Frère Jacques. An example is provided to help you.
Encourage learners to swap in their own words and phrases. For example, instead of “I like the Spanish language”, try “I like the beach in summer”. This is a simple way to introduce new vocabulary while using a familiar tune and sentence structure.