Susie Dent says she is determined to learn the Welsh language

Susie Dent has been a familiar face on television for more than 30 years, sitting in the “dictionary corner” on Channel 4’s Countdown since 1992.

The lexicographer speaks four languages fluently – English, German, French and Spanish, as well as Finnish to a good standard.

But speaking to Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Dent said she also wanted to learn Welsh.

“I’ve said for a long time that it’s on my bucket list to learn Welsh,” said Dent, who was born in Surrey.

She described the language as being shaped through hopefulness and how powerful that could be.

“There’s something special and evocative about the Welsh language, I’d love to learn more about it,” she said.

Discussing her favourite Welsh words, and words that are used in English but are of Welsh descent, Dent said: “Well ‘pengwin’ (penguin) is definitely one of them – mainly because Colin Murray [Countdown’s main presenter] adores them.”

“Forgive me if I’m being very stereotypical, ‘hiraeth’ is one that everyone loves, purely because there is something wistful about it.

“But I think only a Welsh speaker can really understand the word.”

She said it was similar with the word “cwtch”.

“I always thought it meant a simple hug but turns out it’s so much more than that.

“It’s about that sense of safety and refuge, because I think ‘cwtch’ also means a cubbyhole.”