DNA

[Ruskie]

There are many articles online about DNA and ethnicity. This one is recent, seems fairly straightforward and is explained well. Written by Debbie Kennet (rootschatter):

https://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/tutorials/dna/what-do-dna-test-results-mean/

[Gadget]

Most of us are mostly concerned with our shared matches rather that just ethnicity but, if you are interested in this aspect, you should be aware that the ethnicity percentages are dependent upon the confidence level  that the particular company uses.  For example, Ancestry uses a fairly low confidence level. Thus, the 88% Welsh that Ancestry has estimated for me can range from 61% to 99%.

Also, as someone who studied Anthropology in my first degree, I am sceptical about the various definitions of ethnicity that are used. - for e.g What defines 'Welsh' - geography, culture or genetics  or ??

[louisa maud]

I am beginning to think, why do we bother?


LM

[Ruskie]

I am beginning to think, why do we bother?


LM

I think the idea is to look at your matches and try to work out who your common ancestors were, make family connections, satisfy curiosity, enjoy the challenge (or frustration) and more. 

[louisa maud]

Been chasing my family since 1994, I was happy with what I found but the DNA has thrown a spanner in the works as it were, ah well, think I will settle with what I know

LM

[Ruskie]

Been chasing my family since 1994, I was happy with what I found but the DNA has thrown a spanner in the works as it were, ah well, think I will settle with what I know

LM

An illegitimacy spanner? Or are you just concerned about those ethnicity percentages? 

[louisa maud]

I am just intrigued to be honest

LM

[Ruskie]

There is a bit of a learning curve with interpreting the results LM.

I’m not good at it, nor am I patient enough to persist (and tend to dip in and out), but there are plenty of people who are, and I’m sure they will be able to help if you have specific questions regarding any of your results or matches.

Do you recognise any of your higher cm matches? Are any of them known relatives?

[louisa maud]

I have entered  from my Gt grandparents so far, it is a big job to do and when I get more spare time I will enter more, when I look at matches they offer me a sub, well I am not paying out anymore subs, I already have Ancestry and FindMyPast

LM