Student Temporarily Loses Welsh Fluency Following Car Crash Concussion
In a startling turn of events, a 19-year-old law student from Aberystwyth University experienced a temporary loss of fluency in Welsh after suffering a concussion in a car crash in November 2024. Ellis Pears, originally from Cardiff, found himself feeling like a foreigner in his own university community, where Welsh is widely spoken.
The Accident and Immediate Aftermath
Ellis was driving his 2013 Ford KA on a muddy country road near Aberystwyth when another vehicle veered onto the wrong side, forcing him to swerve. His car flipped over multiple times, leaving him with a concussion. He managed to escape through a window and used the what3words app to provide emergency services with his precise location, listed as passion.cobras.toasters, which he credits with saving his life.
After being checked at Bronglais Hospital, where he underwent CT and MRI scans, Ellis was diagnosed with a concussion. Initially, he felt shock and guilt over worrying his family, but within days, more severe symptoms emerged.
Language Loss and Isolation
A few days post-accident, Ellis suddenly struggled to speak Welsh, his second language since nursery. This was particularly devastating as a third of his university course is conducted in Welsh, and many of his peers have limited English proficiency. He described feeling isolated, unable to participate in lectures or socialize with friends, leading him to withdraw and miss classes for four weeks.
Ellis believes the concussion triggered this language difficulty, exacerbated by low mood, anxiety, flashbacks, and brain fog. He even found simple tasks like building a Lego set challenging, a stark contrast to his previous ability to write university essays on human rights law.
Mental Health Struggles and Recovery
In the months following the crash, Ellis endured daily nightmares, panic attacks, and symptoms he associates with PTSD, though not formally diagnosed. He tried antidepressants in December 2024 but found them ineffective, opting instead for outdoor activities like chopping wood to manage his mood.
By June 2025, his mental health began to improve, and with it, his Welsh language skills gradually returned to a university level. His flashbacks reduced to about once a week, and panic attacks now only occur when he witnesses car crashes. Ellis reflects that the experience reshaped his priorities, emphasizing family and friends over work.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the complex interplay between brain injuries and language abilities, especially in bilingual individuals. In Ceredigion, where Aberystwyth is located, 45.3% of the population speaks Welsh, making language a key part of daily life and education. Ellis's story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and tools like what3words for emergency situations.
