Polish Language Pronunciation - Example Words and Phrases

Since coming here, I've taken an active interest in learning about Polish last names. Not sure if anyone here can confirm the following:

The "ewski" in my last name loosely translates into "from the city of". Is that correct? Also digging further online, I've found two different versions of my last name. Koniszewski (version 1) and Kończewski (version 2). I've been scratching my head wondering, did the Immigration official adapt the name to Koniszewski due to the fact he could not write Kończewski? Looking to a map of Poland, I found a city named Kończewko in the far north near Słupsk. Thoughts?

I think that if you live overseas, then to change your name is an idiotic idea, that is, of course, if your present name is an English one. I have been told that it has been proven much harder for people with funny foreign names to get jobs in comparison to those with 'normal ones'.

I wouldn't say that, especially not with Britain being the way it is now. There are government guidelines on how many foreign, disabled, female, ethnic and older workers they need to have to meet equality laws. Even if there are none of these people applying the companies still have to find them to keep out of trouble! Daft, I know.

Michal:

I respect your statement, and it might be true for you in Europe. But, I think you would find that statement hold less credence here in America. Being a land of immigrants, most managers will focus in on your skills and abilities....rather than focusing on your ethnic background. I have actually found that having a more ethnic name has helped in most cases. It strikes up conversation and helps to set you apart from other possible candidates. I am proud of whom I am and my name change is just a reflection of my pride/respect of my Polish heritage.

Merged: How do you pronounce "Rodzina"..

How do you pronounce Rodzina in polish?

roll the r rod-jina

roh-ginah. (h's are silent here)

don't put them in then

okay, here's my interpretation:

rojeena

if i don't then the "a" becomes 'ey' or 'e' becomes 'yee' instead of 'eh' etc.... the "h" is there for the speaker to open their mouth up and not "twist' the vowel

Ro as the ro in rock plus the jea in jeans plus nu the word nut. Hence rodzina is simply ro-jea-nu