Language / Polish Language Pronunciation - Example Words and Phrases [220]

Hi theironduke! LOL, serves you right for betting with a Pole :)

Anyway, I'll try to give you a rough phonetic translation of the text since I do feel kind of sorry for you...

fpudwu grooshku do furtooshku u zu grooshkong dvu yubooshku, u shlivechku fpushch nye hchuwu bo biwu yeshche nyedoyzuwu

A few tips:
-always pronounce the 'u' like the 'u' in cup, but, hut etc.
-always pronounce the 'o' like the 'o' in hot, cot, mop etc., even at the end of words (keep it short, don't extend it or drawl it), except obviously the 'oo' which you would pronounce like the 'oo' in book, took, look etc.

-always pronounce the 'e' like the 'e' in pet, let, set etc.
-the last word 'nyedoyzuwu' contains a 'z' which in this case you should pronounce softly, like the French 'j' in j'aime, jour etc.

Good luck and don't lose too much sleep over it!! If you need any more help just ask :)

kinga

Feedback / How do I know which threads are currently active? [12]

Thanks Ranj and Daffy!! Cool:) I've been following the "latest discussions" btw, I just thought maybe there was a surer way of knowing exactly what's being discussed in the moment, cos you still only know whether something was discussed "today" or "yesterday" rather than right now - but still, you're right daffy, no harm in restarting an old thread, so off I go........:)

cheers, kinga

Life / Polish chatrooms [8]

Interesting point Myatska.

I'm often asked the same question since I'm Polish on both sides yet am dark haired and dark eyed, looking more like an Italian than what is generally understood to be a typical blonde Pole.

I guess it has to do with the genealogical and ethnographic roots of the Polanie, or early Poles, whose ancestors would have come from further south/east, hence bringing darker complexions and features, but then they would have mixed with the fairer skinned peoples from the north/west. Hence two seemingly opposite genetic strains in the modern Pole. You can get more info if you're interested by studying the early migration of peoples across Europe from India and the Middle East (originating of course initially in Africa).

Feedback / How do I know which threads are currently active? [12]

Thanks for the suggestion Wroclaw, I've just cottoned onto this brilliant little invention:)

Polonia / Germans: Do Poles like them or dislike them? [217]


Um, sorry to interrupt guys, but there may be a way you could possibly meet half-way if you saw evolution as cyclical, but rather than a flat circle repeating itself, couldn't it be seen as a spiral? Yes, it may overlap sometimes as humanity stays on the treadmill for certain periods of time (it may sometimes appear as though we're on it forever - wars and other nasties can do that), but eventually the spiral lifts, even if the rise is imperceptibly small. It may even be possible we may slide down the spiral as well occasionally, but I think a quick glance at history shows that eventually we start climbing again. You could also say that whereas humanity has progressed up the spiral quite well in some areas, in others it's kept itself going round flatly for quite long periods of time. So what do you say guys, willing to give the spiral a chance? :)

Polonia / Germans: Do Poles like them or dislike them? [217]

Glad you like it daffy, very decent of you :)

Now, if only we could find a few elevators....

Study / College student debating on moving to Poland... [3]

Hi Mike D.,

I'm not sure about job specifics, but I do know Poland doesn't lack interest in environmental conservation. There are 23 protected national parks in Poland (8 of which are on the UNESCO list of World Biosphere Reserves) with many endangered or unique species of flora/fauna. For more info just check out some web-sites (even general tourist ones would be a great place to start getting an idea of the possibilities open to you), like this one for instance:

en.polska.pl

Once you have a general idea of the place you can start getting more specific.
As for the quiet life, Poland can certainly offer you that, the country-side is beautiful and varied with many smaller towns, ranging from tiny farm hamlets to small villages to larger towns - cities are usually just a few miles away, in case you need them. It's really just a matter of doing a bit of research into what exactly tickles your fancy - rolling plains, forests, mountains, lakes - and then seeing what towns and villages occupy a particular region (taking into account places of employment of course).

Sorry I couldn't be more specific, I guess I just wanted to say 'good on you' and hope you follow your dreams - the details usually iron themselves out along the way:)

News / Dealing with constant insults against Polish [323]


ABSO-BLOODY-LOUTELY RIGHT!!:)