Language / Why do people want to study Polish? [90]


Sounds about as strange as 'jak leci?' to me ;)


I agree, for the most part Poles are willing to help you through it, as long as you show them the same courtesy with English.

I am a Canadian living in England, and to my surprise (but apparently not to the surprise of the English) I have found many Polish friends here. But I think friendship wouldn't really be enough to stimulate me into learning a language. I have no Polish that I know of in my family history, but I think I connected with the Poles because their sense of patriotism about Poland is similar to mine about Canada.

In a way, it made it easier for me to identify with them, than say the Brits (who think patriotism is tacky), the Americans (who think patriotism means being a psycho fanatic for themsevles and everyone else sucks), or the Germans (who are still very self concious of the bad things nationalism can do).

To be honest, Poland wasn't even "on my map" before I moved here. Now I am interested in going. I guess we'll see if I connect with Polish culture as much as I do with Polish people.

Another reason would be embarassment at speaking only one language (after eight years of French in the Canadian school system, bah).

Language / (part 2) Polish Language Pronunciation - Sample Words and Phrases [311]


y is pronounced like the i in bid

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]


not even compared to some european countries, and at least we have good social services.

USA, Canada / do polish girls like the canadians when they visit? [34]


Haha, i've heard about this. Hilarious.

For all of you 'no culture' haters, have some respect. Canada is a pretty new country, and we haven't exactly had time to develop a well established culture like Poland. From the history books old Poland sounds a lot like Canada today - people from all over, a huge mix of cultures and languages. Just be cause we go for diversity, and not sameness (how it is in Poland today) doesn't mean we don't have culture. If you're interested, a lot of our culture is summed up in some slightly dated Molson Canadian beer ads which you can find on youtube ;)

Language / Most-used Polish verbs (and every-day sentences) [37]

It's complicated: /free.of.pl/g/grzegorj/gram/odmiana2.html

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]


Both great parts about Canada, problem is the best poutine is a lot of km away from Lake Louise (somewhere in Quebec probably) ;)

Speaking with Poles has lead me to believe that Toronto is to Canada as Warsaw is to Poland: you like it if you grew up there, and the rest of the country hates it. I bet if you looked hard enough on the Canadian government's website you'd find "hating Toronto" listed under 'favourite Canadian pastimes'. Toronto is probably the most "American" city in Canada.

There is a lot more Canada out there besides Toronto. If you're looking for a big city go for Vancouver, Montreal or Ottawa. There are 100s of nice cities with populations around 50 000 too. But if you want some real Canada, buy 50 acres of rural property (big house, lots of land) 30 minutes north of a smaller city for less than a crappy 70s bungalow in the burbs of Toronto.

Language / Most-used Polish verbs (and every-day sentences) [37]


Today I asked my friend if there was a Polish equivalent of "like" used to extend sentences (and thinking time). Like, "So, like, we were at this party and, like, it was totally awesome."

He said "Yeah, 'kurwa'."

Can any Poles out there think of a word used like that? It would be useful, instead of saying 'ummm' or 'uhhhh' while trying to think of the next word to say.

Language / Most-used Polish verbs (and every-day sentences) [37]


Well my polish language happens to be poor anyway, haha. I'd rather use a word similar to 'like' than sit in silence as i think of the next word.

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]


Kingston is a nice city, kept beautiful by funds from the large local prison. If you can get past having convicts as neighbours, its a great place to live. Plus there is all sorts of cottage country up north, and the historial Rideau Canal connecting to Ottawa. Also the home of Bryan Adams, haha.

Study / Does Poland offer Polish Lessons for Free? [16]

I think maybe Zion meant those countries offer free lessons of their own native languages?


Other countries are starting to feel those tensions too (Canada, GB). Its too bad language is such a barrier.

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]

Get a new office ;)

Life / Best and cheapest telephone mobile card in Poland [5]

Holy smokes, 22% tax!

Is a 'mobile card' the same as a SIM card? I will be staying in Poland for about 2 weeks, and my current SIM doesn't have international service. How much does it cost to buy the SIM, I've heard about 20zł? After my stay in Poland I'll be visiting some other countries as well, does it have international service?

Language / Difference between Polish Ł and English W [23]

Thanks, this is really interesting. Props on linking the Polish £ and English L!! I had no idea W and L were actually sort of similar until a linguistics student explained it to me. You're right about the O too, I think it might have something to do with the shape of the lips?

Language / Dokonany/Niedokonany - Perfective/Imperfective [46]

That was really helpful thanks :) I never thought of 'do' that way, I find it funny how much I've learned about English grammer studying Polish!

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]

I couldn't say as I've only ever lived in Toronto (3 years) and I had to get out because I didn't like it. I haven't been to Vancouver, but Ottawa is really nice, it's almost a big city with a small city feeling, plus there seem to be a lot more good looking people in Ottawa than Toronto, haha.

Language / Most-used Polish verbs (and every-day sentences) [37]

*shakes fist* my polish friends always try to trip me up with 'no'!!

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]


I wouldn't say this is true. Canadians don't like the separatists and language police, but we like Quebec. But they haven't actually been trying to seperate too much lately, so it's okay. Montreal is one of the best Canadian cities all 'round. And all of the 18 year olds in Ottawa love Hull!!

USA, Canada / Diffrence between the Usa and Canada [32]


In my experience, I think Canucks and Poles get along well due to our similar patriotic styles. One country has ancient roots, one country is practically an infant, but I think we regard our homeland with the same type of pride. That kind of commonhood makes for easy partying. Polish, meet whiskey, Canadians, meet vodka.

Language / "sorry" instead of "przepraszam" [76]

From my understanding, the reason non-native Poles find the language so difficult to speak, is because historically the Polish have been very protective of their language, not allowing for simplification or blending. English is the best example of that, the native speakers through history didn't have international pressures in the same way, so they never felt their language was threatened, therefore the language has adapted, simplified, internationalized, and expanded its vocab with foreign words. The Poles protected their language for centuries.

At least the Poles aren't like the Japanese who are adopting as much English as possible for the 'coolness' factor. We have one Polish guy living with us, and I've heard the words 'kurwa' and 'dzięki' come out of the mouths of most of the English here, simply by exposure. We've also taken to calling 'percentage alcohol' a drink's 'voltage'.

Language / Polish Soaps? & They Really do use Rosetta Stone [13]

i found midowe lata on youtube. ugh. thanks for those links! "learn" polish AND watch Lost! woo!