Language / I can't roll my r's damn it! [12]

Hi....I'm really, annoyed with myself! I've never been able to roll my r's and even though I keep trying and trying, I still can't!

I worked with 2 Polish guys this summer who tried to teach me the language. One said that it doesn't matter that I can't roll my r's and the other reckons it does - he was quite disappointed that I couldn't swear in Polish as well as he can!

I'm going to Poland for 6 weeks in a month's time (on my own - scary!)...I don't want to be one of those people who doesn't bother trying to speak the language of the country they're in....

But, is it worth me trying if I can't roll my r's? Will people still be able to understand me...or worse, will they just laugh, or shake their heads in disappointment?!!!

Work / Do I Need To Speak Polish To Get Around for 5 Weeks in Krakow [23]

Hi there,

I'm a woman in her 20's who's going to do a CELTA (teaching English as a 2nd language course) in Krakow in 3 weeks.

I originally thought it would be a good way to get qualified, (I have taught EFL unqualified in Thailand so far) and see Poland (somewhere I've always been interested in visiting).

The tutors have assured me that everyone at the school speaks English but as it get's closer to the time, I'm getting worried about the rest of Krakow and getting around/buying food/etc....

I'm attempting to learn some basic Polish phrases....but when I use google translate to translate what Polish aquaintances are saying on facebook, I still have no idea what they are going on about, even with the English translation!

So now I'm petrified! I've never been to a non-English speaking country on my own (have just split up with my boyfriend who was going to do the course with me), and I will literally be totally on my own when I arrive, for the 1st week!

Am I going to starve to death and not even make it from the airport to a hostel??!!!!!

Language / Jennifer - will people be able to pronounce it properly? [11]

Will people have trouble pronouncing the name of my friend, Jennifer? She's thinking of changing it because she doesn't want to be called Yenny!

Language / Pan/Pani necessary? [8]

Hi, I'm learning Polish from a 'Michel Thomas' download....the lady on it tells me I must use Pan and Pani when speaking to a man or a woman....but I've read that this is quite formal.

So, just wondering, do I use these words with EVERYBODY and by everybody I mean people/new friends that I'm hanging out with?

Cheers! (She hasn't said that what thank you is yet!) :p