Can foreigners really understand Poles?

Why would I use stereotypes when I have been living here for the past 5 years? A typical Scot? That doesn't mean much to me.

Remember, I have drank with quite a few Poles in my time so the value of that far outweighs any dated stereotypes.

I dated a stereotype once, it was exactly how you'd think it would was.

Poles seem to foreigners like intellectual Russians,more sophisticated than average Russian.

Really!

Some seem that way and some don't, Exiled. I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the smartest individuals here in Poland and the displeasure of listening to some of the stupidist.

SeanBM, LOL. I hope your wife didn't come to know ;) ;)

Yes,Poles are intelligent.They seldom have this bear style.But you would never pass a Pole for a German as well.

You do not get more sophisticated then a Russian, they're some of the most complex people on this bloody earth (their barbaric "civilisation" notwithdstanding).


Southern?

Hi Southern.

Lol.. Constantine where are you!? A rebuttal?

Yes its possible to understand, most of the prevailant charectaristics dont come from a persons national heritage but their individual upbringing. I think its a question of nurture most common behaviour only exist as stereotypical traits.

I dont quite understand the question are you saying that Polish people are different because theyre Polish?

Well, I'm against dismissing stereotypes as some kind of hallucination so easily.

Most stereotypes (war time propaganda of course not) develop over a time as people travel and meet each other.

Each country has positive and negative stereotypes but generalized there is a reason for them....

I often ask this of Poles but they often can't put their finger on quite what it is that they want to ask. Such enigmatic qualities can be in anyone and I don't find Poles to be that enigmatic for the most part.

Stubborness as resistance to hard times, I think most people can understand that aspect.

It's part of their "romanticism"...just having a wart isn't enough...for a polish arse it has to be an enigmatic, special wart!

;)

That needs L4 treatment even though there is nothing bad going to come of it ;) ;)

L4 is their sick form btw. Gotta love those mystic warts :)

Welcome back Sheepy :)

good!!!lets see.


your welcome !your absence was noticeable on this forum :)
They should pay you :D


Did you notice difference social attitude of Poles compering them to Scottish people for example?
I mean is an Pole in anyway differ in his/her attitude and values regarding family neighbours , state and foreigners ?

Thanks, BB. I promise that there'll be no more German rants about Geischner ;) ;) I'm gonna try and go back to my uni style on the forum, i.e so and so said this whilst so and so said that. I was reading some older posts, mine very much included, and the level of presumption is incredible. Some people write as if they are whipping out facts and truths with every statement.

As for the thread, well, some can and some can't. Come on, resident Poles, test our understanding.

Hopefully, that means you'll be sleeping in , Peanus.

That would be really nice....;)

Yes and no. If immersed in Polish culture for some lenthy time, It would still be colored (excuse me, coloured) by my native culture as frame of reference. Understood in the mind, yes, in the heart or instinctively? probably not.

Ah the (in)famous political correctness, yes Polish people are different because they're Polish, German people are different because they're German etc.

We have nations in the first place because they're collectives of people with shared views, ideals and perspectives, its not immdiately visible nor obvious, its not simple either but yeah nations do have defining qualities to them, some less some more.

In answer to the title of the thread, I suppose it dependss on how thick their accent is, this would depend on if I could understand them or not ;0)

Poles are very family oriented, more so than the Scots who tend to be too. They have more special days spent with them and occasions with cakes and meats.

Neighbours? Well, there can be a communal feel but too many are lone wolves and are growing to be jealous of their neighbours and what they have (in Poland). This is very noticeable in my home city of Aberdeen but I hope that Poland doesn't move more in this direction. Poles are aware of the need to be modest but some struggle with it, wanting to be flashy.

Poles are quite outspoken critics of the state. They will often launch into wild debates on the main policies that affect them. This tends to be a family thing but Poles often duck such discussions when 1-2-1, preferring to play down politics in casual talk. Alcohol is the great trigger.

Foreigners? Well, many are aware of the need to come across as welcoming and many indeed are. However, I fear that a few may have two faces but this is just natural for some, regardless of nationality. If the foreigner puts effort into social engagements then the Poles will likely reciprocate. I have found this in many places. I am well received by most Poles.

Boy, this post has been hard as there are too many generalisations. However, one thing I really feel about Poles is that there is much potential for them to be more open. It's like they are indifferent and maybe testing the water sometimes but can really come out of their shells when you get to know them. They are a curious bunch when they want to be.

nope, not if everyone speaks his own language, lol

There are people in the world who understand more than one language.

geez man, it was a freakin' joke. By the way, how many do you speak?

Relax mate. If you go to Poland and react like that, you will get a heart attack very quickly.


I speak 3 languages, and understand 5. It's not so uncommon in Western/Northern Europe.

I hope you'll enjoy the forum.

I'm definitely relaxed man. I wish you were too, lol. As far as languages, well you've lost that competition too, sorry.
have a great time :-)

Some people can even speak 10 languages with gestures.

I speak 3 too! (allmost 4) and understand dozens! (You ask me the dialects in Norway is kinda their own language -.- I am a mastermind!!)