I can't roll my r's damn it!

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?!!!

I can't role my R's at all. I'm only just starting to learn polish but I don't think you have anything to worry about.

How the hell do you roll your R's?

With great difficulty, it took me months...but practice makes perrrrfect ;0)

Oh, I never realized some people have trouble rolling r's. But I googled it now, and it's actually true. I also saw that there are a lot of videos on Youtube where they teach people how to roll their r's. So take a look at that. Good Luck!

No mate, they'll think you have a slight lisp. Dose it really matter?

Of course you can learn it. Look at Youtube.

Hey, you can expect a few jokes, but you shouldn't take any of that as a personal insult really. (I mean, I can laugh when my Polish friends try to speak Dutch!) Besides, most tourists who visit Poland don't speak any Polish.. So even if you might know a little, I'm sure your attempts will be greatly appreciated!

Have fun! (You might try a glass of water!)

I can't either. Mine just sound like a sharp d or t sound.. :(

Think smart, think Scottish :)

"I'm from Bristol and I roll my R's... That's not the same as my arse!"

But seriously, it is not a problem if you just use your English 'R' for a start. In my Polish class, there's no problem for the English with that. It's a matter of fact that you have an accent speaking Polish. Your inability of saying kuuurrrrva! properly won't bother any native, I suppose... :)

Thank you for that!
I've tried all the videos on youtube as well and I guess it's a case of keep trying and hoping! ...but it's nice to know my attempts will be appreciated!

Think I'm so insecure because the Polish guy I started seeing over the summer, and will be meeting up with in Poland, is sooooooo serious about his language, and well, everything! Also I've never met anyone who frowns so much!! So, I've been worried that all Polish people will be really serious like him.

I never knew that R-rolling is so difficult and fell so happy that can say


for 10 seconds without any effort. It is worth learning because it provides a great relief to your inside tension. Regz