Life / Do expats living in Poland speak Polish? [233]

I concur with others that your own experience in Poland will be more meaningful and much richer if you try to learn the language (to whatever degree you're able).

In my first time in Poland, I made little attempt. The language simply overwhelmed me. It took me a full year to just to BEGIN to hear separate words in sentences.

I can't even tell you how many times I must have said the number "six" instead of informally greeting or leaving people. (please look up the Polish word for "6" and compare with "czesc").

I'm determined now, on my immiment return to Poland, to take courses and really learn the language so that I can at least attempt to hold a simple conversation with my in-laws.

Quick story: once my mother-in-law (who speaks no English, but certainly understands some from her years of exposure to us!) was trying to find some socks for my kids. She was using the English word "socks". I, of course, assumed she was saying "sok" and immediately went to the fridge to get some juice. :-D

I'm looking forward to my return!