Genealogy / Do I Look Polish? (my grandfather was Polish) [60]


I hope not.

Genealogy / Do I Look Polish? (my grandfather was Polish) [60]



Just wondering, after all this, do I look Polish?

Actually, I've just found a better picture.

My brother, below, is much older than me and tells me that our parents used to speak fondly of a distant land in a foreign language they never taught us.

He reckons it might have been Poland, but isn't sure. (I think he looks a little bit Romanian or Transylvanian (like he used to sink his fangs into me when I got the better of an argument with him over the Fisher Price kitchen), which leads me to believe we might only be half-brothers.)



So, do we look Polish?

Life / Polish Shelf Toilets [32]


ebay

Or should I say wee-bay?

Keep squattin' dude.

News / Rothschilds Open Banking Network in Poland: Allianz Polska [19]

Joe, I'm thinking we've found some common ground.

Property prices here were driven through the roof by the "buy to let" scum who saw the chance of a quick buck by buying houses and renting them out, the rent covering their mortgages.

(There was even a story in the UK of a greedy scumbag couple who bought a house on credit cards so that they could rent it for a while and then sell it when the market went up.)

They pushed prices up so high that ordinary people couldn't afford housing at all. They wiped out social housing.

Now, they're in diffs. I'm delighted about that. Except that my government (US and UK too) has taken the heat off most of them with their rescue deals.

And how? By making us ordinary taxpayers pick up the tab.

Better stop now...I'm getting really angry

Actually, I'm even angrier now.

In the UK, for example, the scumbag bankers have even come back to ask for the right to pay dividends to shareholders - after the biggest government rescue plan in history.

These bags of cr*p even expect to make money when mugs like us are paying the tab?

And did you see the Irish budget? Not just income tax, but a tax levy on all earnings.

F**k, I really am angry now.

News / What is the future of Catholic church in Poland. [154]


I guess the Rangers/Celtic thing is in a world of its own.

Look at how the Celtic fans responded when Paul Gascgoine did the pretend flute-playing thing years ago.

News / Rothschilds Open Banking Network in Poland: Allianz Polska [19]

Have to say, Joe, that after all that's happened lately I'm beginning to share your distrust of the whole banking system.

Looks like we're all gonna bankroll the big-bucks investors and speculators.

Now that's making ME angry as well.

I'm in Ireland and our govt has just decided to guarantee all accounts. That's good, but now all the scumbags from overseas are putting their money here because they know it's safe.

Now, why could the govt not have said that everything already invested is guaranteed up until the announcement date and anything deposited later is not guaranteed.

Life / Polish Shelf Toilets [32]

Softsong, notice how your last post has kinda brought this thread to a very abrupt end!

That's, like, really, really way too much information.

BTW, the Russian sign says (mainly in Moscow and surrounding areas):

If you want to do a poo,
Please be sure to flush our loo.

In the more remote areas it means:

When you've done it, please be cool.
Take your time and flush your stool.

Language / What is the most annoying thing about non-native Polish speakers? [90]

I'd agree that Polish is difficult, but it's not unlearnable.

Before even thinking about cases, it's probably best to forget all about the "a" and "the" in English to give yourself a chance. (A background in Latin would be quite helpful.)

I've just returned from the most wonderful time in Kraków and my limited Polish took me a long way. I didn't have to use English at all in the hotel.

Outside, I used Polish about 80 per cent of the time...most difficulties came when I was speaking to older people who tried to engage me in a fuller conversation after I'd asked them for directions.

Younger people were as keen to use their English as I was to use my Polish, so a lot of conversations were conducted in my often-rubbish Polish and their sometimes-questionable English.

It doesn't matter. We communicated perfectly, and I never got lost.

I do so much wish that I'd been able to give the older folk, who'd no English, a better conversation, but I hope to improve on that next time around.

As an example, a waiter in a bar used the word "podać several times. I didn't realise, at first, that it was a "dać" with extra meaning...

And that's the beauty of Polish. Just when you think you can say "barszcz" correctly, you find that a simple verb like "jehać" can take on many different meanings when you put "po" or "do" or "wy" in front of it.

I look forward to going back to Poland.

Your language is beautiful and your people are a pleasure.

However:


Not quite so sure I'd agree with the concept of a general Celtic "r". Welsh does have a trilled "r" and Scots Gaidhlig does too, but in Irish (my native language) you'll only find it among old people with no teeth. I'm not denying that it was there (it was until about two generations ago), but it's very hard to find nowadays. Sadly, in my opinion.

An excellent point though, because the Welsh sound answers "r" in "herbata" quite closely.

Ian


Their teeth?

News / Rothschilds Open Banking Network in Poland: Allianz Polska [19]

Joe, mate, you gotta cool down about all this stuff.

Like, none of us like banks. Or have you just got an anti-Jew thing going?

If so, out with it man. C'mon, spill yer guts.

Go on, puke it all up. You'll feel better. Hurry up, Joe*, there's the taxi... That's it, two fingers... yeah, it's nearly all there... a wee bit more...

Good, you alright now Joe... (Aw, feck, taximan, can you open that window... Feck, too late; Joe you're costing us big time...what's this problem of your's: everytime you go past a Zionist hole-in-the-wall machine you puke your ring up?)

* Is Joe for real?

Lots of love,

Bubbles Ben-Gurion Golda Cherzog Meier

Language / I need a good dictionary! (book) [21]

We work hard at doing that. You'll notice we don't win too many Olympic medals...so we have to be good at something.

(My personal trainer insists I start with two Powers, followed by two Jamesons and finish with three Old Bushmills. Then it's on to the pints!)

Language / I need a good dictionary! (book) [21]

Thanks polishgirltx,

Enjoyed it so much I'm going back to see all the things I didn't have time to see.

I'd have seen so much more if it hadn't been for the wódka - I've just received an email from a guy I met in Poland who said that he'd an awful hangover the morning after dużo wódka.

I'm actually quite proud that I was able to keep up with a real Pole! But then we Irish have our international reputation to maintain as well. Even if it meant I missed my trip to Wieliczka.

It always takes me about three days to get my bearings, so when I go back to Małopolska I'll know where I'm going - and what tramwaj goes where.

Ian

Language / I need a good dictionary! (book) [21]

Czescz all,

Just back from Poland where I bought myself a great kids' dictionary in Empik, the big book and music store. You can't get anything like it on Amazon or anywhere else - you have to be in Poland.

Obviously, it's aimed at Polish kids, but English and Polish words are listed on every page. Illustrowany Słownik: Angielsko-Polski is the title, written by Jacek Lang.

A word of warning, though - it's not for the easily offended. If the thread continues I'll give a few examples.

But not tonight. The flight was delayed and I've just left scorching hot temperatures of 28-30 celsius (scorching for a red-headed, freckled Irishman) and returned to wind and rain!

By the way, there's nothing like going to Poland to improve your Polish. It's a beautiful country and the people are so friendly. My Polish is rubbish, but I believe people really made an extra effort to understand me because I was trying.

And I should know, because the one thing that's worse than my Polish is my map-reading, which meant I had to ask directions about every 200 metres.

Polska jest dobra i język jest trudny ale lubię Polskę. (Did I say that right?)

Do widzenia,

Ian

History / Why did Poland remove the Eagle from the Flag? [26]

I will, and I'll let you know how I get on.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Dziękuję,

Ian

History / Why did Poland remove the Eagle from the Flag? [26]

Am going at the end of next week. I like the idea of gritty industrial realism, but I suppose I heard so much about it when I was a child watching TV that it sounded fascinating and stuck in my head.

They were always talking about Gdansk, Gdinia and Nowa Huta Steelworks. The names fascinated me.

Hopefully, I'll get the chance to meet 'real' people, instead of the tourist-orientated ones.

Besides, it's not too far from Kraków. So I guess I can get the best of both worlds.

History / Why did Poland remove the Eagle from the Flag? [26]

Yeah, Wroclaw looks nice. I'm beginning to wish I'd decided to go there instead of Nowa Huta.

History / Why did Poland remove the Eagle from the Flag? [26]

That's a nice ankle. I mean eagle.

Is it a real tattoo or just a stick-on-with-water thing?

History / Why did Poland remove the Eagle from the Flag? [26]

And maybe Sabaton could write the new national anthems?

History / Why did Poland remove the Eagle from the Flag? [26]

Guess the eagle got kinda tired and just flew away to be on someone else's flag.

I see you found something else to stick on your own flag...

News / Third World War and the role of Poland [82]



Joe, as you're clearly the rezydent expert on finance and banking, many of us, I am certain, would like to draw from the unquenchable fountain of your economic omniscience.

Firstly, I'm visiting Poland next month, so how many złoty should I expect for my euro?

Secondly, as I don't want to use any bank which might be tainted with the greasy fingers of "Elitism", might I be best rejecting that inestimably corrupt system altogether and reverting to the ancient principles of barter?

News / Poland's Future Includes Fewer Poles, More Foreigners [324]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum. Hope it's the right place for questions

Wroclaw looks beautiful. I will be in Kraków next month. Is it worthwhile going to Wroclaw?

Language / I need a good dictionary! (book) [21]

Thanks polishgirltx.

Any time you see a post of mine and I'm using rubbish Polish please correct it.

Ian

Language / How to say that you dont speak polish in polish? [23]

Even if your Polish is rubbish, make sure you use it.


Catz is right, but that's hardcore Polishl At least for a learner. I think the second sentence is in the genitive, while the first is in the nominative.

So, Polish is complicated but English is easy? What about the dipthongs and incredibly complex tenses.

Polish is the reverse.

I don't think Polish has complex dipthongs and tenses/moods but the complexity lies in the noun and adjective. I stand (willingly) to be corrected...and I'm sure there will be many who can do accordingly.

Anyway, just use the Polish you know. Even if it is a matter of life and death nobody will care that you used the locative when you should have used the instrumental.

Language / I need a good dictionary! (book) [21]

There's loads to choose from.

I was in my university bookshop recently and I found about seven. I spent at least an hour looking through them to try and make up my mind.

But don't ask us. What sort of dictionary do you need?

Money should never be a problem with a dictionary. They're not really dear unless you want a multi-volume brute.

And, if you're only learning basic Polish, will you really need it?

Mind you, I think that, if your level is fairly basic, Usborne do a "First Thousand Words in Polish" book aimed at children.

Actually, that's a good idea. I've just checked it out and I'm going to buy a copy myself!

Jestem aktorem. I'm not, but you begin to understand how words change.

So here's my big leap of faith. To jest Warszawa. Chciałbym dojechać do Warszawy. Mieszkam w Warszawia.

Cjic, I'm no expert in Polish and I've no idea what level you've achieved but I would recommend the easiest approach you can possibly take.

Genealogy / Do I Look Polish? (my grandfather was Polish) [60]

Don't know about Polish looks an' all, but lucky ol' Troy's got himself a real beaut.

And I don't think anyone'll disagree with that!

Travel / Alone in Krakow, what to do? [25]


Jestem Irlandczykiem. To jest prawda.

Seriously, is being Irish safer than being English?

Anyway, a couple of questions about Kraków, where I'm headed soon. To jest mój pierwszy raz w Polsce.

1. Do people appreciate it if you speak Polish, even if not perfectly, or would they prefer English?


Honestly, Miranda, I'd prefer to speak Polish but do local people have the patience to put up with those whose first language it clearly isn't?

2. Where are the best jazz venues? Not the big touristy ones.

3. What are the best venues in the city to listen to traditional Polish music? Again, not the touristy ones.

4. If I'm out late, is it easy to get a taxi back to the hotel? (It certainly isn't in Dublin on a Saturday night!)

Dziękuyę bardzo

Life / "Gdzie jest barszcz?" How do I get talking Polish with real Poles? [16]

Hi Helena,

I know what you mean. Even if you know they speak Polish, you can hardly walk up to them, smile and say "Przepraszam, czy Pan/Pani mówi po Polsku?"

I always have to stop myself from doing that!

Jan

Language / Cases, Genders, Nominative, Instrumental...WHY? [40]

I guess every language has its own complexities in some way. Polish is by far the most difficult I've ever tried to learn but I didn't want to say that in case I put people off. :)

Five gender distinctions are indeed a frightening prospect.

News / Poland's Future Includes Fewer Poles, More Foreigners [324]


Pzykro mi, but I must answer this statement in what the poster should, as an Irishman, understand as his native language:

Ní raibh na Provos i sráith dá gcuid féin i nÉirinn. An bhfuil tú ag rá go bhfuil lorg na fola le moladh? Más mar sin é, amadán amach is ea tusa.

Is fíor gur tharla mórán rudaí i nDeisceart Ard Mhacha ach nach raibh na Sealadaigh gnóthach i mBéal Feirste agus i Londonderry fosta? (Sea, dúirt mé Londonderry!)

Sílim go bhfuil dallóg ort, a chara bhig. Cinnte, bhí lucht an IRA (an SEÁN IRA) gníomhach i gCorcaigh ach cá mhéad acu a bhog ó thuaidh mar gheall ar na Trioblóidí.

Sa deireadh thiar an bhfuil blas na fola níos tábhachtaí ná beatha duine? Tá súil agam nach bhfuil tú ag tabhairt ómóis dóibh siúd a bhí sona fáil réidh le duine chun cuspóir gan fiúntas a bhaint amach!

For the benefit of English and Polish speakers I guess I'm saying that our Irish experience is of no relevance whatsoever.

Yes, we benefited from the EU in a big way but budgets, borders and priorities have changed.

There's no way that Poland will enjoy the same level of investment that we enjoyed, given that more countries are now part of a financially-limited equation.

So, Miranda, don't worry about Ireland or what happened here. Given our history, we are not a good example to follow.

Life / "Gdzie jest barszcz?" How do I get talking Polish with real Poles? [16]


Not by asking "Gdzie jest barszcz?" They're really quiet people but a letter was mis-delivered to my dad's house and he took it across the road to them and started chatting.

They were so quiet that you would never have known what language they spoke or where they were from so I reckon it was a happy combination of circumstances.

Of course you're right - I can get their email addresses and keep in touch.

Thanks for the positive feedback on the thread idea. If it's ok with you I'll launch it next week. What's the best forum for it d'you think?

Cześć,

Jan

PS - PolskaDoll, let me know if it's OK for me to PM you. I know I can, but I always prefer to ask permission first.

Life / "Gdzie jest barszcz?" How do I get talking Polish with real Poles? [16]

Just as an update on my thread, I've recently met a delightful Polish family who have been wonderfully helpful and friendly. They really are lovely people and have given me a huge amount of encouragement.

Unfortunately (for me, but probably not for them), they're moving on. Piotr (the son) and his girlfriend (Kasia) are going back to Lublin, while his parents, Piotr and Lucy, are going to Nottingham in England.

I'm sad because they're going so soon, but I'm sad because of something else as well. Piotr Senior (I almost called him Stary Piotr the first time I met him but thought this might sound insulting! Is it?) is a doctor and Lucy is a lawyer.

Yet Lucy is here in Northern Ireland, working in a department store and on her feet eight hours a day. There's nothing wrong with working in a department store but I couldn't believe that someone with her training is doing that.

She told me that she hopes she might get "something a little bit better" in Nottingham.

I do hope that Poland gets itself sorted out economically so that people like them can get properly paid to do the jobs that they trained so hard for.

BTW, I will probably (if I'm allowed to) start a new thread to ask Poles "over here" what they did in Poland and what they're doing now.

Anyway, Piotr (nie Stary Piotr!) will be going back to Lublin with a little reminder of Northern Ireland - Bushmills, the oldest whiskey in the world.