Is there any suggestions on what I can get for my daughter to listen to so she can learn/understand Polish? My husband was from Poland but he passed away when our daughter was 14 mos. I know that he visits her in her dreams & speaks to her in Polish but what can I do to help? I only know very little Polish & we are traveling there this summer to visit his family.
First of all, my condolences on your husband's death. That's very sad. It will be hard to keep up with Polish. I have two small children and I only speak Polish to them. They understand everything, but don't always speak it because when they go to kindergarten everyone speaks english and it comes easier.
I read Polish books to them, I have Polish cartoons, I teach them Polish poems and try all I can, but unless they go to Poland and be surrounded by Polish speaking people and be forced to speak Polish, it will be hard.
Or unless there are Polish classes offered in school.
I've asked my father in law to send her children's music. At the Polish church here they have a Saturday school where they teach the children the language, customs, songs & dances, but that wouldn't start for her untill she is at least 4. Her Godfather will visit sometimes & talk to her in Polish but it's not enough. I just don't want her to lose that part of her heritage!
That's very good you have such programs!! My "X" husband doesn't want my children to speak Polish, he tells them not to say milk in Polish because it's a dirty word, he doesn't want them to learn Polish and to know their Polish family, he won't sign passports for them to travel to Poland so now I have to fight the courts to get his permission for them to travel. He is a narrow-minded jerk and hurting the children the most.
Do you have access to Polish TV or internet? There are radio stations you can listen to on the internet. Maybe if you just have her listen to it every day it will help.
I don't have TV access but I'm sure I can find an internet radio station. Are there any you would suggest that are more kid friendly? It was also suggested that I get some language CD's & play them at night so that it gets stuck in the subconscience.
Try this polskieradio.pl then go to the 'Słuchaj w Internecie' button on the left hand side and then go to 'Trojka' in the middle and choose one of the servers (serwer). Polskie radio (in red) is better for low bandwith users (dial up). This wont be a good learning tool, but will provide a good platform for getting used to how the language sounds. Most of the music played is the same stuff that we get here, so no harm done if its on in the background. This is what I do sometimes as my understanding of Polish is about the same as a 4 year old (if not younger!).
I found the radio station but not to struck on all the Techno. My husband was the techno fan, especially Scooter. Next time her Godfather is over I'll have him help me find some good DVD's for her.
RE:Michal-I am not Polish, my husband was but he was killed in Sept, when she was only 14 mos. Her father spoke to her in Polish all the time. I tried and am still trying to learn as much as I can so that when we go to visit his family in the summer we can communicate, somewhat!
During the day the radio station is main stream stuff, pretty much like radio 1 (UK) but with a few older songs thrown in. The evenings get in to more modern stuff.
You will probably really have to push her and keep with it. My exhusband is from Poland. He spoke to my son's in Polish and we had numerous Polish friends that only spoke Polish. We went to Polish Mass for years. My sons never picked up the language and only understand a few words. I think she is more likely to pick up the language of her mother so you might make it a project to learn the language together. Start with one new word a day maybe...
A very good suggestion (above), learning it together. Also, it is important to note that young children (0-4) soak up language if they are immersed in it. I would suggest long stays in Poland with your in-laws (at least a month at a time if possible), your daughter's grandparents for example, with them communicating in Polish with her all the time, palying with Polish cousins. Do this a few times a year if it can be done. And visits from them to you. Whatever is possible.
Then when back home you could create a "Polish" background by way of some of the other suggestions above, books, sounds etc. You could try and make contact with other bi-lingual families in your area if there are any or a Polish cultural organisation.
Possibly when she is older, say 8-12 she could spend summers there and maybe go to a summer language school, but that would only really help if she has had a good early grounding in the language that she can build on. The big effort needs to be in the first few years.
MY NAME IS DANIEL AND I NEED A SIGHT TO LEARN POLISH ANY GOOD SITES PLEASE TELL ME MAKE SURE THEY HAVE SOUND FOR ME TO LISTEN TO I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN POLISH AND I WANT TO TRY IT OUT. =] THANK'S FOR YOUR HELP .
My husband was from Poland but he passed away when our daughter was 14 mos.
My condolences to you and your daughter. In honor of your late husband, teach and expose your daughter to her culture and language. It may seem daunting, but try to continue with your Polish, expose her to your Polish community (I"m not sure where you are?) There should be schools, Polish Homes, Churches. This Forum is excellent because both languages are spoken. The best is what your doing: taking her to Poland. At this age, they're sponges for another language. Plan on this as often as you can. Look into children's books and DVD cartoons are a great way. My kids loved their "grandpa Tata." He didn't speak English, but trust me they communicated with a natural bond. Gestures and the context of words fall into place and make sense. Listen. I'm on the same journey. Continue your belief that he is with her-because he is and always will be.
Go to tvpolonia.com For $7/month you will have access to all kinds of polish programs, soap operas, news, gossip, lots of children's shows. Some with English subtitles so you can watch along. I have been a member for years.
Try look at Polish websites, radio, TV be/go in Poland it help. i am 13 and i live England i just move from Poland and did no not any of English when i came. (Exept basic Hello, Goodbye and i am called) I was around the langwedge all the time and it has start to get in my head. I can have a conversarton now but it not perfect. i been in england 2 yers. A yunger child will be easier to lern a difrent langwedge quicker. For them who speek Polish heer it is:
Próbować patrzący na Język polski websites, radio, telewizja i próbować i udają się /jest w Polska jeżeli możliwy. jestem 13 i żywy w Anglii, po prostu posunął od Polska i nie poznawałem wszelki Angielski kiedy przybywam. (Exept dla zasadniczy, *Hello*, *Goodbye* i jestem zawołane był wokół język stale i to rozpoczęło wchodzić do mojego głowa mogę mieć rozmowa teraz, ale to nie jest doskonały. JA ma jest w Anglii dla 2 lat. młodsze dzieckcko byłoby byłoby zdolny uczyć się (poznawać; dowiadywać się) różnego języka przy wiele szybszy szybkość.
