Generally, the best way to learn any language is through extensive exposure to a language or, even better, total immersion therein. That is possible through intensive courses such as the Berlitz Schools or spending a lot fo time interacting with natives. Of course that depends on whether native speakers are eager to interact with learners in Polish. My question is: are groups of Polish migrants in the British Isles eager to have locals fraternise with them in Polish and be helped with the language? Or are they clannish and standoffish and/or prefer to use such opportunties to imrpove their English?
I think most of them would do that. Why not, by the way? I would and I'm Polish, although I'm not in the UK. And I do not think that Polish people are too clannish. They just tend to stick together, because many of those who emmigrated for money don't speak English well enough. I think you should try to adverstise or just ask in some Polish deli for example. Polish people would use a possibility to learn English as well. I wish you good luck.
Lalla
Polonius, you could look at this as a parallel of all the tens of thousands of Brit's in France, Spain and Portugal. Some mix and others don't. A vast number can barely say Hola! or Bonjour! :)
There are several Polish clubs in the UK that have been around since the 1940's. Some have classes for English and Polish. From my experience, the Poles I have met at the bar at one of these pubs are keen to help, as they are pleasantly surprised to meet someone wanting to learn Polish.
Immersion learning is great as you say, but it's the time aspect. There are well established schools in France, Spain and so on where you basically pay for B&B and speak the hosts language from the minute you arrive. There range from a few days to several months. A bit hard to do if you are working a normal 9-5 existence.
