A system designed to convert text from the English language into a symbolic representation based on the Coelbren y Beirdd is examined. This involves algorithms and character mapping to find equivalents between standard English letters and the glyphs within the Coelbren system. As an example, the English word “hello” would be transformed into a sequence of Coelbren symbols representing those sounds or letters.
The value of such a conversion tool lies in its ability to facilitate exploration and engagement with Welsh cultural heritage. The Coelbren y Beirdd is often considered a vital part of Welsh Bardic tradition. It is important to consider the contentious nature of the Coelbren’s history, with some viewing it as a modern invention with no historical basis. Translation tools, irrespective of the historical argument, can be used to explore the proposed symbology of the system.
