Language / Serious question about swear words!? Need help. [21]

Kick that shit to the kerb/curb, don't trust stupid f***** men who run their foul *** mouth all the fricking time, hehehe. Seriously tho, just gauge the tone of his voice. The words are quite strong and he shouldn't be using cipa in ur presence. If I said ty cipo to my loved one, she'd be mortified, even if said jokingly. Poles who are very close can say it to each other that way but best avoided. Just raise it with him

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

What's wrong with teamwork? It's on a much smaller scale than the majority of office jobs are, let's face it. It's not only about getting paid by the hour, some classes of mine are of varying length. I don't like all the short tests that have to be done. I'm thorough enough in class and find them to be redundant. Where did u work btw?

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

I agree with alanko. The system is effective if the coordination between the 2 teachers is to a high level. I have more of a role here which I like. The Profi teachers know that I was a grammar trainer so it gives THEM the extra leeway if they don't feel like teaching it on any given day. Not teaching grammar hardly sticks in my craw. I did it for so long and a wee break from it is fine by me. JET teachers in Japan were confined to doing pronunciation and fun activities with their learners. Nice, easy money but not much professional development. Any drawbacks that u care to mention alanko?

Life / Compulsory National Service in Poland [26]

He's from Scotland I think, polishcanuck. Does the Kraków derby count as fighting? hehehe. The Poles have done a bit of fighting but perhaps it should've been at a higher level internationally due to their conscription policy. I like the idea of a trained youth, versed in the art of weapons handling, but conscription is a bit anachronistic now. Why force youngsters to do it?

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

The flat could be shabby and lacking insulation for Polish winters. I landed on my feet with my landlord, 750 for everything is a snip. 1800zl is OK for a first time job, fresh out of uni, but competition for such places isn't going to be so fierce

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

26 contact hours gets me 5,500zls so that is a slap in the face to be under 2000zls. Maybe they are offering free accommodation and perks tho!!

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

Interesting views from Harry. I agree with regards to CPE, even I've had a couple of double takes when teaching it. I've begged to differ with the key on several occasions. What's more, phrasal verbs separate Polish teachers from native speakers. I've had to lead at the Upper-Intermediate level even, as some Polish teachers are just plainly unsure. Even qualified teachers (native speakers) are told to steer clear of the grammar. Back to CPE, it's a different ballgame entirely than CAE. I teach from Virginia Evans's Use of English book. It puts the cat amongst the pigeons. Separates the wheat from the chaff!! I love the challenge tho!! The Polish teachers I've encountered have been top drawer in general English though I've never seen them in action. I'd love to observe a CPE class being taught by a Polish teacher. It's taught in Katowice in Profi and I'd encourage Poles to go there and give it a whirl, it's a great course that tests highly advanced learners. I'll teach it again tomorrow, always intriguing. Harry, do u really feel that Polish teacher aren't intelligible?

Food / Brussel Sprouts - Polish Style [13]

Brukselki are not so popular here in Poland. It's possible that they are used in foreign dishes but Poles tend not to use them where a Brit would. For example, rolada with dumplings and cabbage. It's crying out for a few brussels sprouts to complement it but alas...!! That it, as an addition to the main dish. However, I have a recipe here for brukselka na ostro. No mention of parmesan but lemon juice yes. This will take a while but there we go.

50 dag brukselki, 1 szklanka bulionu, może byc z kostki, pół szklanki białego wina, sok z cytryny, sól+pieprz, 3 łyżki gęstej śmietany, 1 cebula, szczypiorek, 15 dag schabu karkowego

Brukselkę starannie oczyścić, odrzucić wierzchnie listki, opłukać, osączyć. Bulion zmieszać z winem, zagotować, dodać sok z jednej cytryny, przyprawić solą oraz pieprzem, wrzucić brukselkę, gotować na małym ogniu 15 min, odstawić. Mięso pokroić w niedużą kostkę. Cebulę posiekać i zeszklić, zdjąć z patelni, wrzucić mięso, dobrze zrumienić, połaczyć z brukselką, wystudzić, dodać cebulkę. Śmietanę przyprawić do smaku solą i pieprzem, polać sałatkę: brukselkę z mięsem, posypać posiekanym szczpiorkiem, schłodzić. Przed podaniem dokładnie wymieszać.

Hope this sheds some light although it's but one example

Food / what kind of sauce should I make for my gołąbki? [63]

There is a good sauce here in Poland that is often coupled with kluski, sos pieczowym or sth like that. Gołąbki drenched in that would be nice. It translates as baked/roasted sauce.

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

I know the terminology Darius, I've read the key texts. Routine kills but sometimes there isn't too much leeway involved. I'm always in nice and early anyway just to make sure that all the bases have been covered.

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

Good point by Darius above. There has to be sth to forking out close to 1000 pounds for a 1 month course, namely CELTA. It depends on the method u r teaching as to how to maximise such training. I got 3 days OJT in Japan, basic training for Callan and none at Profi because I was deemed to know the trade by then. My CELTA gave me confidence but 2 years in front of people in Japan helped me more. I think it is a rule that unqualified teachers can only teach speaking here but, sadly, this is not enforced. As I said b4, I saw the lack of grammatical awareness as a trainer amongst my colleagues but they got off with it as the method didn't require advanced knowledge. U have to win the trust of ur students and showing them that u know a few tricks helps. I've simplified ideas that they find difficult, e.g transitive/intransitive verbs. What do u mean by a "trained ESL teacher" Darius? CELTA level, DELTA level?

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

U don't think this is an effective system Michał? I'm reserving judgment, holding my cards close to my chest meantime. Do u think Poles are reticent in class? Have u been a teacher b4? Don't u think some native speakers are drafted in really cheaply? Some score very badly on grammar tests, I know bcoz I have marked many as a trainer. Like in NOVA (Japan), I feel that observations are too sporadic and many classes get taught but to what degree? It's just bums on seats for these schools. Many unqualified teachers slip through the net and secure places. It hardly inspires confidence

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

It didn't represent my opinion, just what I've heard. U r right, they do prop up their earnings in that way. They seem to have it good.

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

So, there aren't periodic inspections of private schools here? There's a raging debate that Polish teachers can fulfil the function of current native speaker teachers but many deny that. There are many Polish teachers out of work apparently, due to native speakers 'stealing' jobs. There's little consistency overall. I have a CELTA but it means little here. At Profi, the Polish teachers do the grammar anyway.

UK, Ireland / I'm designing a Polish restaurant for British people - need information [44]

U r probably right, curry is in the UK 2 stay. Pierogis may become like sushi, we'll see

History / Should Germany claim to be the victims in Poland? [510]

To Celinski, fair enough. Morality can be pushed aside when ur own were targets so I agree with u here. If sb killed my bro, I'd have them head-hunted. But, out of respect 4 u, I'm not gonna stay on this as I fear (casual sense of that word, lol) it may hurt u

History / Should Germany claim to be the victims in Poland? [510]

Celinski, u shouldn't talk about kicking Russia's butt!! That's inflammatory and a classic illustration of American machoism at that time. It's misplaced really. Well done for getting involved though!

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

Why aren't the qualifications of teachers checked in some private schools? What's the point in studying sth if schools cheapen that by admitting those without degrees? Does the Polish curatorium have jurisdiction in the domain of private schools? Is it just a toothless organisation?

Love / Polish Girlfriend obsessive and not trusting [59]

I know, I was just trying to be positive. It's so important to be cautious and not commit too easily these days. That applies across the board

UK, Ireland / I'm designing a Polish restaurant for British people - need information [44]

There was a programme here in Poland that said that Londoners are going in for Polish food big time. What info do u need?

Love / BLACK GUYS POLISH WOMEN [809]

A bint is a word known by most Brits. John Cleese famously uses it in Fawlty Towers when he talks to Polly. Blond bint seems to be a common enough insult for a dippy woman with blond hair. U understand dippy Wyspi? Or scatty?

Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]

Teachers in Callan supposedly require a degree to teach there but I'm led to believe that some teachers there don't have this. They are not under the patronage of the curatorium so investigations into the qualifications are not conducted. Admission therefore is easier. A TEFL qualification is also not necessary but desirable. Teaching at private schools is well paid here in Poland (I've worked for 3 schools) and conditions are much better than working as a mainstream teacher, slaving ur guts out for peanuts.

Love / Polish Girlfriend obsessive and not trusting [59]

Don't worry too much!! She should respect ur side too. I see it as a sign of love when she wants to get closer. I dunno why but women find it easy to get close to me. Remember, she is in a foreign country and, perhaps more than b4, needs to feel safe and secure. Having a foreign partner can really help u settle and make all necessary adjustments. A relationship is hard work and u have to see where she is coming from too. Don't assume that religion controls many Polish girls to such a high level. Like us, they are more concerned about completing their courses, meeting deadlines etc etc. It's the family dimension that may present the problem. I've been lucky in that, while my girl's parents respect the church, they are not avid followers and don't feel bound like others do. They are great people and we see eye to eye on most things. My advice is, make her feel comfortable (like a home from home) but be clear about ur intentions. Polish women (and Poles generally) like u being direct and telling them straight up, they are tough people and aren't as easily offended as Asians let's say. Be a man and state ur case with tact whitecrow

Life / Polish hooliganism in sport [141]

Connections between mafia and hools are clear for sure. How else are these hools gonna drive their Beamers (BMW's) and Mercs? It's good that it gives Russia and Poland some kind of non-aggression pact against each other.

Life / Polish hooliganism in sport [141]

That happens sometimes but how quickly loyalties can change. Polonia Bytom and Piast Gliwice were friendly clubs, u could often hear Polonia songs on the stands, but how that changed when they came together. The police had to step in to restore order. I never say who I support if asked. I just say I'm foreign and that's it

Life / Polish hooliganism in sport [141]

Look at Ross Kemps video on hooliganism, he went to watch Wisła Kraków Vs Lech Poznan and it was a brawl. Clubs like ARKA Gydnia and Ruch Chorżów still produce hooligans as do many other clubs. All for kicking a ball of air around a field. I LOVE football but not this aspect of it. It's comical at times but fights can easily end in death or serious injury here

UK, Ireland / Babies of Polish couples born in England [25]

Michal, just wondering, have u ever heard of Alan Bast*rd? The New Statesman, hehehe

UK, Ireland / Many British have inferiority complex [131]

Totty is like talent/boys in this sense Matyjasz. It's a British term. Top totty we say. Who was I talking 2? Given the fact that I addressed u ShelleyS, U!!

UK, Ireland / Many British have inferiority complex [131]

Eh, ur 641st posting between 2 of isthatu's postings. 'UK = England,Wales and Scotland' u wrote above. It's on the 4th page of this thread girl

Life / Compulsory National Service in Poland [26]

There are many exceptions to admission: ill physically or mentally, have a criminal record (even then, not so clear), have repeated classes in primary school more than twice, unfinished primary school, if u don't have Polish citizenship, if u don't have a permanent or temporary address, if u have kids to take care of directly (single parent/breadwinner), if u take care of the elderly (e.g grandfather), if u r a student (in both senses), if sb in ur family is in the army now already, e.g brother, if sb in ur family died in the army etc etc. If u started ur studies b4 2002 and graduated with a degree, u automatically go into the reserves. A new law came out in 2007 which said that u could be accepted into the army at any time up to the age of 50. The exceptions have been noted above