According to Hammad, who was born in Pakistan and now lives in Cardiff: "I started my journey of learning Welsh in 2023. I had a number of reasons to learn the language. My children go to the Welsh school, and I have several friends who write in Welsh and I was keen to read their work."
As an acclaimed author and multilinguist, Hammad has published the novel, Four Dervishes (Seren Books 2021), and works in Welsh, Persian, Urdu and Arabic.
Hammad was inspired by Welsh literature to study the language more deeply therefore he applied for the Coleg’s Equality and Diversity Research Scholarship. The scholarship provides opportunities for groups of people who are under-represented in higher education and research through the medium of Welsh to undertake a doctorate funded by the Coleg.
Hammad said: "I've discovered a number of great Welsh writers and poets that I wouldn't have known about if I hadn't learned the language. I like how Welsh culture is linked to the language."
"While reading a special poem by Gerallt Lloyd Owen, Cilmeri, I realised how there are striking similarities between the Welsh elegy tradition and the Persian and Urdu languages.
"I'm very happy to receive this scholarship from the Coleg Cymraeg and excited about developing my research and thesis in the coming years."
As well as starting his PhD journey, Hammad has recently joined the Coleg’s Sbarduno Scheme as a mentor to support Welsh Black, Asian and Minority ethnic students between 16-19 of age to continue using their Welsh skills.
Hammad said: "I'm hoping that I can contribute and make a difference in the Welsh literary field through my research, and I'm looking forward to giving support and encouragement to young people from diverse backgrounds as a mentor on the Sbarduno Scheme."
For further information on the 'Equality and Diversity' Research Scholarship Scheme and Cynllun Sbarduno visit the Coleg Cymraeg's website; and visit the Coleg Cymraeg's You Tube channel to watch a video to hear how students have benefited from both schemes.
