Ziemowit
24 May 2012
News / Der Spiegel: "Poles are now the masters of Europe" [49]
Not a price for an "inferiority complex" on the list above.
Not a price for an "inferiority complex" on the list above.
Ziemowit
24 May 2012
News / Der Spiegel: "Poles are now the masters of Europe" [49]
By geographic failure he presumably means that we, Poles - or better say, our ancestors - had failed to position themselves someplace else in Europe than between Germany and Russia. But then, Russia did not exist yet, while Poland was separated from Germany by a large territory taken by the tribes commonly reffered to as Polabian Slavs, the territory which was roughly equal to the territory once occupied by the former Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR).
From that perspective, the UK's place in Europe might be seen as a "geographical sucess". Although the British Isles were regularly conquered until 1066, from that year on Britain has been spared further invasions which has undoubtfully helped the British not to develop an inferiority complex. The inferiority complex among Poles, a concept which is regularly raised by pawian6661 in his posts, is one that I particularly like to follow.
By geographic failure he presumably means that we, Poles - or better say, our ancestors - had failed to position themselves someplace else in Europe than between Germany and Russia. But then, Russia did not exist yet, while Poland was separated from Germany by a large territory taken by the tribes commonly reffered to as Polabian Slavs, the territory which was roughly equal to the territory once occupied by the former Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR).
From that perspective, the UK's place in Europe might be seen as a "geographical sucess". Although the British Isles were regularly conquered until 1066, from that year on Britain has been spared further invasions which has undoubtfully helped the British not to develop an inferiority complex. The inferiority complex among Poles, a concept which is regularly raised by pawian6661 in his posts, is one that I particularly like to follow.
Ziemowit
23 Dec 2011
Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]
I pointed out that your supporters had abandoned you and - what is even more appaling - your adversaries had done so as well.
No, I have not. But, of course, I pointed you out as a person with an [extremely inflated] "sense of false importance" which
I didn't just call you a liar: I pointed out the specific lie you told and am happy to point out others.
I pointed out that your supporters had abandoned you and - what is even more appaling - your adversaries had done so as well.
You have never called me names? Really?
No, I have not. But, of course, I pointed you out as a person with an [extremely inflated] "sense of false importance" which
means that one feels that one is incorrectly important.
Ziemowit
23 Dec 2011
Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]
You must know that Harry is getting increasingly isolated on this forum. Most of his supporters have abandoned him, but what is more appaling, his adversaries seem to have done so as well. So, as a last resort he refers to such petty things as an 'r' missing in the word 'occurred'.
But still, he has a lot of virtues which I have always been ready to admit (even if he has called me a liar, whereas I heve never called him names) which makes me smile rather than feel offended. I genuinely feel sorry for him, as he seems to be a lonely, and thus a bitter person.
That's exactly what I have thought. 'A sense of false importance' did seem a very handy expression to me, with "false importance' rendering so nicely this subtlety when desribing the attitudes of many English teachers here. By the way, the expression seems so "trafiony" [here, I am short of an acurate English adjective], that it has immediately provoked angry replies from some of them and a particularly furious reaction from Harry. Again, some of them are very quick to point "poor English" to someone else, without even a minute's reflection that the expression may indeed be correct. That's what 'false importance' is, isn't it?
Dear Harry, having read your comment, I consulted my grammar books, a dictionary, and two native speakers of English. You're right! I DID miss one 'r' in 'occurred'. Hope it made your day. Kind regards!
You must know that Harry is getting increasingly isolated on this forum. Most of his supporters have abandoned him, but what is more appaling, his adversaries seem to have done so as well. So, as a last resort he refers to such petty things as an 'r' missing in the word 'occurred'.
But still, he has a lot of virtues which I have always been ready to admit (even if he has called me a liar, whereas I heve never called him names) which makes me smile rather than feel offended. I genuinely feel sorry for him, as he seems to be a lonely, and thus a bitter person.
Both are correct, but the latter is the more common phrase amongst English speakers
That's exactly what I have thought. 'A sense of false importance' did seem a very handy expression to me, with "false importance' rendering so nicely this subtlety when desribing the attitudes of many English teachers here. By the way, the expression seems so "trafiony" [here, I am short of an acurate English adjective], that it has immediately provoked angry replies from some of them and a particularly furious reaction from Harry. Again, some of them are very quick to point "poor English" to someone else, without even a minute's reflection that the expression may indeed be correct. That's what 'false importance' is, isn't it?
Ziemowit
22 Dec 2011
Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]
This expression "to be puffed up with a sense of false importance" characterises you better than anyone else on the PF forum, even if you claim you are not a teacher of English yourself.
Depends on whether one is too stupid to understand the words 'I am not a teacher of English' or not.
This expression "to be puffed up with a sense of false importance" characterises you better than anyone else on the PF forum, even if you claim you are not a teacher of English yourself.
Ziemowit
22 Dec 2011
Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]
This expression: "a sense of false importance", characterizes so well so many teachers of English on the PF that it seems to be a crucial description of them.
You lot especially you Harry are so puffed up with a sense of false importance.
This expression: "a sense of false importance", characterizes so well so many teachers of English on the PF that it seems to be a crucial description of them.
Ziemowit
22 Dec 2011
Work / The level of English of Polish teachers of English. What do you think of it? [101]
I am not a teacher of English, but I've found the last three posts (by Avalon, Seanus and Lovelybridge) very interesting as a set. And yes, even before reading the critical overview of Avalon's post by Lovelybridge, I have spotted at once the over-inflated ego of Avalon. Still, neither Avalon nor Lovelybridge give any examples of bad English they are poining to. Yes, one may say these are clearly visible in the case of Avalon's English, but not everybody here is a native speaker of English, so a hint or two would be good. On the other hand, the comment of Seanus really adds nothing to the discussion, except for showing that he is, as usual, hypocritical for the Anglosaxon world and over-critical for the Slavic world.
I am not a teacher of English, but I've found the last three posts (by Avalon, Seanus and Lovelybridge) very interesting as a set. And yes, even before reading the critical overview of Avalon's post by Lovelybridge, I have spotted at once the over-inflated ego of Avalon. Still, neither Avalon nor Lovelybridge give any examples of bad English they are poining to. Yes, one may say these are clearly visible in the case of Avalon's English, but not everybody here is a native speaker of English, so a hint or two would be good. On the other hand, the comment of Seanus really adds nothing to the discussion, except for showing that he is, as usual, hypocritical for the Anglosaxon world and over-critical for the Slavic world.
Ziemowit
9 Dec 2011
Language / Use of swoj [23]
Disce puer Latinae, a ja cię zrobię mocium panem...
The link provided by Gumishu explains it very well: Suus/sua/suum [Swój/swoja/swoje] means the thing belongs to the subject.
Disce puer Latinae, a ja cię zrobię mocium panem...
The link provided by Gumishu explains it very well: Suus/sua/suum [Swój/swoja/swoje] means the thing belongs to the subject.
Ziemowit
25 Oct 2011
News / Will Poland be badly hit by Recession ? I don't think so. [70]
The outbreak of the critical phase of the crisis in the eurozone will affect Poland greatly, there is no doubt about it. And the eurozone has no clear idea how to solve its debt crisis. Notice that the eurozone's debt continues to grow, while the increase of the US debt has already been stopped. All in all, the prospects for Europe are much more gloomier than for the States which in contrast to Europe is a unitary economic entity. The leadership of the EU is very weak and unimaginative, either is the leadership of Poland. Do you recall the European Commission's fairly recent boasting about their plans for Europe to soon become the most advanced area in the world in terms of science and modern technology? Now they can only boast about being the most advanced area in the world in terms of public and private debt. What a shame for all of us living in the European Union.
The outbreak of the critical phase of the crisis in the eurozone will affect Poland greatly, there is no doubt about it. And the eurozone has no clear idea how to solve its debt crisis. Notice that the eurozone's debt continues to grow, while the increase of the US debt has already been stopped. All in all, the prospects for Europe are much more gloomier than for the States which in contrast to Europe is a unitary economic entity. The leadership of the EU is very weak and unimaginative, either is the leadership of Poland. Do you recall the European Commission's fairly recent boasting about their plans for Europe to soon become the most advanced area in the world in terms of science and modern technology? Now they can only boast about being the most advanced area in the world in terms of public and private debt. What a shame for all of us living in the European Union.
Ziemowit
6 Oct 2011
News / Poles start to feel arrogant and superior to Southern Europeans [182]
No, I've never heard anyone in Poland saying that others should learn discipline and work ethics from them. I myself would never call Southern Europeans lazy p(i)igs. Italy is a country of good style, for example. Well, I might have been extremely surprised to learn that the state authorities of Greece falsified their statistics in reporting Greek economy to the European Commission, something that I don't expect to happen in Poland after all, but that doesn't make me look down at the people of Greece.
On the other hand, I've found several Southern Europeans on this forum to frequently ask questions during the more earlier stages of this Greek crisis of this kind: "When is Poland going to collapse on the financial front?" without even having been looking at the economic data on which they could have based their assumptions. That was rather a clear sign of their feeling superior to Poland, in the same way as the repeated insistance of a certain King Athelstan that Poland is in Eastern Europe might be a sign of a similar hidden inferiority complex of that person.
No, I don't find either those Southern Europeans or King Athelstan pathetic. I find them amusing.
They often say things like
No, I've never heard anyone in Poland saying that others should learn discipline and work ethics from them. I myself would never call Southern Europeans lazy p(i)igs. Italy is a country of good style, for example. Well, I might have been extremely surprised to learn that the state authorities of Greece falsified their statistics in reporting Greek economy to the European Commission, something that I don't expect to happen in Poland after all, but that doesn't make me look down at the people of Greece.
On the other hand, I've found several Southern Europeans on this forum to frequently ask questions during the more earlier stages of this Greek crisis of this kind: "When is Poland going to collapse on the financial front?" without even having been looking at the economic data on which they could have based their assumptions. That was rather a clear sign of their feeling superior to Poland, in the same way as the repeated insistance of a certain King Athelstan that Poland is in Eastern Europe might be a sign of a similar hidden inferiority complex of that person.
No, I don't find either those Southern Europeans or King Athelstan pathetic. I find them amusing.
Ziemowit
2 Oct 2011
Life / The nature of Polish jokes? [128]
I've never heard it before. Very amusing! Have you some more to illustrate this thread (and not only on the Fourth Republic which is going to be back on the 9th of October this year, but also on the Third Republic which is going to disappear on that very day)?
Q. What's the difference between the Second Republic in Exile and Kaczynski's Fourth Republic?
I've never heard it before. Very amusing! Have you some more to illustrate this thread (and not only on the Fourth Republic which is going to be back on the 9th of October this year, but also on the Third Republic which is going to disappear on that very day)?
Ziemowit
27 Jul 2011
Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]
[Des Essientes:] Have a look at this table of a few cognates:
Sanskrit sunus son - Lith. sunus; [Ziemowit:] Polish 'syn'
Sanskrit viras man - Lith. vyras; [Z:] Latin 'vir'
Sanskrit avis sheep - Lith. avis; [Z:] Polish 'owca'; Latin 'ovis'
Sanskrit dhumas smoke - Lith. dumas; [Z:] Polish 'dym'
Sanskrit padas sole - Lith. padas; [Z:] Polish 'stopa', but we have 'podeszwa' for describing the base of a shoe; French 'pied'.
[Des Essientes:] Have a look at this table of a few cognates:
Sanskrit sunus son - Lith. sunus; [Ziemowit:] Polish 'syn'
Sanskrit viras man - Lith. vyras; [Z:] Latin 'vir'
Sanskrit avis sheep - Lith. avis; [Z:] Polish 'owca'; Latin 'ovis'
Sanskrit dhumas smoke - Lith. dumas; [Z:] Polish 'dym'
Sanskrit padas sole - Lith. padas; [Z:] Polish 'stopa', but we have 'podeszwa' for describing the base of a shoe; French 'pied'.
Ziemowit
8 Jul 2011
Language / Why is the Polish language so difficult? [309]
The Polish language isn't difficult or is as difficult as other languages. You cannot demand that another language be formed and structured exactly in the same way as your own. If cases is the most ridiculous concept for an English speaker, then definite and indefinite articles is the most bizzare concept for Polish speakers who don't know them in their language and despite not knowing them, they go on very well working the concept of the definite or the indefinite out of context. In the same way, the English speaker works out the relation of objects to one another without using the cases; he does that out of context and with the help of word order.
The Polish language isn't difficult or is as difficult as other languages. You cannot demand that another language be formed and structured exactly in the same way as your own. If cases is the most ridiculous concept for an English speaker, then definite and indefinite articles is the most bizzare concept for Polish speakers who don't know them in their language and despite not knowing them, they go on very well working the concept of the definite or the indefinite out of context. In the same way, the English speaker works out the relation of objects to one another without using the cases; he does that out of context and with the help of word order.
Ziemowit
1 Jul 2011
History / Pomerania -a Polish land since the creation of Poland and the German invaders. [60]
You have clearly misread me. I didn't say they were not Slavic (I actually said: "the Slavic Pomeranians). I said these tribes - as there were in fact several of them - were not Polish and never wanted to be Polish (or German for that matter). Rather than directing people to the internet, first read more carefully what others have written.
I think I do not. Rather than repeating the theses of the Polish communist propaganda regarding the Pomeranian issue in the Middle Ages, you should start reading a decent Polish history book describing their very harsh resistance to the Polish forces of Bolesław Chrobry or Bolesław Krzywosty conquering them and imposing Christianity on them.
Ziemowit: The Slavic Pomeranians were a different tribe than the Polish tribes. Not true , Pomeranians are slavic tribes , check the internet data about this subject .
You have clearly misread me. I didn't say they were not Slavic (I actually said: "the Slavic Pomeranians). I said these tribes - as there were in fact several of them - were not Polish and never wanted to be Polish (or German for that matter). Rather than directing people to the internet, first read more carefully what others have written.
I think you are mistaking them with Prussians.
I think I do not. Rather than repeating the theses of the Polish communist propaganda regarding the Pomeranian issue in the Middle Ages, you should start reading a decent Polish history book describing their very harsh resistance to the Polish forces of Bolesław Chrobry or Bolesław Krzywosty conquering them and imposing Christianity on them.
Ziemowit
1 Jul 2011
History / Pomerania -a Polish land since the creation of Poland and the German invaders. [60]
Mieskoł Iszy
Your knowledge of history is deplorable. The Slavic Pomeranians were a different tribe than the Polish tribes. For centuries they fought bravely against both the Germans as well as the Polish. They often sided with one side or the other in the perpetual wars of the time between Poland and Germany. What they probably wanted was to be left in peace and in paganism which both sides did not want to grant them.
Mieskoł Iszy
Your knowledge of history is deplorable. The Slavic Pomeranians were a different tribe than the Polish tribes. For centuries they fought bravely against both the Germans as well as the Polish. They often sided with one side or the other in the perpetual wars of the time between Poland and Germany. What they probably wanted was to be left in peace and in paganism which both sides did not want to grant them.
Ziemowit
1 Jul 2011
Language / Is Polish amongst the best-sounding languages in the world? [123]
It doesn't sound "silly", but it does sound amusing to most of us. There is nothing of a stereotype in it (the word 'rasict' being completely inappropriate here), but it is the matter of a specific language similarity which make Polish people perceive the Czech language as amusing. You didn't follow the recent discussion on PF on the subject in which I quoted a once extremely popular song by Andrzej Rosiewicz with very good-natured lyrics, "Najwięcej witaminy mają polskie dziewczyny", which said:
"Czeszka tylko mnie rozśmiesza, chociaż lubię Czechów
Gdybym wydał się za Czeszkę, umarłbym ze śmiechu"
Apart from that, a once widely known TV performance engaging the top Polish singer Maryla Rodowicz and the top Czech singer Helena Vondrackova made fun of the word "laska" in a popular Czech song "To je laska nebeska" (sung by Vondrackova) which word in Czech means 'love', but in Polish means "walking stick". The performance had nothing of a "typical racist stereotype propagated by backwater peasants". No one had ever thought of it in this way.
It [the Czech language] doesn't sound "silly and amusing" at all. Typical racist stereotype propogated by backwater peasants.
It doesn't sound "silly", but it does sound amusing to most of us. There is nothing of a stereotype in it (the word 'rasict' being completely inappropriate here), but it is the matter of a specific language similarity which make Polish people perceive the Czech language as amusing. You didn't follow the recent discussion on PF on the subject in which I quoted a once extremely popular song by Andrzej Rosiewicz with very good-natured lyrics, "Najwięcej witaminy mają polskie dziewczyny", which said:
"Czeszka tylko mnie rozśmiesza, chociaż lubię Czechów
Gdybym wydał się za Czeszkę, umarłbym ze śmiechu"
Apart from that, a once widely known TV performance engaging the top Polish singer Maryla Rodowicz and the top Czech singer Helena Vondrackova made fun of the word "laska" in a popular Czech song "To je laska nebeska" (sung by Vondrackova) which word in Czech means 'love', but in Polish means "walking stick". The performance had nothing of a "typical racist stereotype propagated by backwater peasants". No one had ever thought of it in this way.
Ziemowit
14 Jun 2011
Language / Mixed English Grammar Thread [233]
If 'if I were' is 'if + subject + past simple', it should be 'If I was' as an affirmative sentence in past simple should use "was" rather than "were" with the first person singular. How would you expalain that you used "If I were taller..." rather than "If I was taller.." ?
Ziemowit, what do you mean? If I were is 'if + subject + past simple' in grammatical form.
If 'if I were' is 'if + subject + past simple', it should be 'If I was' as an affirmative sentence in past simple should use "was" rather than "were" with the first person singular. How would you expalain that you used "If I were taller..." rather than "If I was taller.." ?
Ziemowit
13 Jun 2011
Language / Mixed English Grammar Thread [233]
Seanus and Amathyst
Thanks for your answers. I take it then for granted that there should be "I wish I were" or "If I were..." in sentences that require using the subjunctive mode, but I realize that it is the habit of some native speakers to replace them with the past simple tense forms.
Seanus and Amathyst
Thanks for your answers. I take it then for granted that there should be "I wish I were" or "If I were..." in sentences that require using the subjunctive mode, but I realize that it is the habit of some native speakers to replace them with the past simple tense forms.
Ziemowit
13 Jun 2011
Language / Mixed English Grammar Thread [233]
Does that mean "I wish I were...[taller]" is typically employed for unrealistic wishes, while "I wish I was... [better]" for realistic ones?
And what about "I wish I am better". Is it allowed or not?
For example, I might say 'I wish I were taller' but 'I wish I was better'.
Does that mean "I wish I were...[taller]" is typically employed for unrealistic wishes, while "I wish I was... [better]" for realistic ones?
And what about "I wish I am better". Is it allowed or not?
Ziemowit
13 Jun 2011
Language / Mixed English Grammar Thread [233]
SUBJUNCTIVE [Tryb łaczący]
Does the subjunctive mode, so vivid to this day in the Romance languages, seem equally obvious to the native speakers of English? Lyzko says that most Brits say 'if I was...' without thinking which suggests that the subjunctive mode might be well on its way to extinction in the minds of the Brits. Yet being aware of the existence of this mode helps understand, explain and use properly the conditionals in English.
In French, for example, it expresses the idea of wish, doubt or uncertainity of the speaker in affirmative clauses (in contrast to English, the conditional clauses in French do not necessitate the use of subjunctive mode). Has the subjunctive mode not survived in that role in English as well; in expressions like "I wish I were..." (vs. "I wish I was...") or even "God save the Queen"? Can any of the native speakers of English here comment on that?
SUBJUNCTIVE [Tryb łaczący]
Does the subjunctive mode, so vivid to this day in the Romance languages, seem equally obvious to the native speakers of English? Lyzko says that most Brits say 'if I was...' without thinking which suggests that the subjunctive mode might be well on its way to extinction in the minds of the Brits. Yet being aware of the existence of this mode helps understand, explain and use properly the conditionals in English.
In French, for example, it expresses the idea of wish, doubt or uncertainity of the speaker in affirmative clauses (in contrast to English, the conditional clauses in French do not necessitate the use of subjunctive mode). Has the subjunctive mode not survived in that role in English as well; in expressions like "I wish I were..." (vs. "I wish I was...") or even "God save the Queen"? Can any of the native speakers of English here comment on that?
Ziemowit
9 May 2011
Language / Polish versions for English words? ! [34]
The Polish language has "piśmiennictwo", but this can be only applied in the context of writing on science and research, so what it means is in fact 'literatura naukowa', such a term being in use as well. The Russian has 'obrazowaniye' for 'education' which is what 'wykształcenie' is in Polish. All in all, 'edukacja' still seems to be a somewhat 'auxillary' term to the original Slavic term 'wykszałcenie'.
They have for instance their own Slavic root words for 'literatura', 'filozofia' and 'filologia', I simply can't recall what they are-:)
The Polish language has "piśmiennictwo", but this can be only applied in the context of writing on science and research, so what it means is in fact 'literatura naukowa', such a term being in use as well. The Russian has 'obrazowaniye' for 'education' which is what 'wykształcenie' is in Polish. All in all, 'edukacja' still seems to be a somewhat 'auxillary' term to the original Slavic term 'wykszałcenie'.
Ziemowit
11 Apr 2011
Life / Smoking vs. Grilling on Balconies / High Rises in Poland [66]
Hundreds of people grill near lakes in city parks. The smoke is sometimes so dense that others who came for a breathe of fresh air must quikcly return home to fetch a gas mask. People usually grill the swans which they caught in the lake.
Hundreds of people grill near lakes in city parks. The smoke is sometimes so dense that others who came for a breathe of fresh air must quikcly return home to fetch a gas mask. People usually grill the swans which they caught in the lake.
Ziemowit
17 Feb 2011
History / Was Daniel Fahrenheit a Pole? [138]
I just wonder if one's heritage could be felt "subconsciously" by one's "genes"? An intetersting story story was told on TV some time ago by Jerzy Stuhr, a famous Polish actor of Austrian origin. He said he had always felt inside him a strange affinity to a place in Austria which he used to pass several times on his trips to Italy. And he discovered only later on that it was precisely a place where his Austrians ancestors originated from!!!
Quite recently I have discovered ancestors of my own bearing a "Latin" surname and German first names [one was Gottlieb and another was Gotfried] in the act of a birth of 1794; the surname was later polonized, however, and to the effect that the whole family have always asked themselves "what the bloody hell does this surname come from?". The act was written in Mazovia, so those people must have come in there from somewhere else. Should my somewhat "strange" interest in the past of the Silesia region before 1945 direct me "subconsciously" to the forgotten heritage of my family on the mother's side perhaps?
I just wonder if one's heritage could be felt "subconsciously" by one's "genes"? An intetersting story story was told on TV some time ago by Jerzy Stuhr, a famous Polish actor of Austrian origin. He said he had always felt inside him a strange affinity to a place in Austria which he used to pass several times on his trips to Italy. And he discovered only later on that it was precisely a place where his Austrians ancestors originated from!!!
Quite recently I have discovered ancestors of my own bearing a "Latin" surname and German first names [one was Gottlieb and another was Gotfried] in the act of a birth of 1794; the surname was later polonized, however, and to the effect that the whole family have always asked themselves "what the bloody hell does this surname come from?". The act was written in Mazovia, so those people must have come in there from somewhere else. Should my somewhat "strange" interest in the past of the Silesia region before 1945 direct me "subconsciously" to the forgotten heritage of my family on the mother's side perhaps?
Ziemowit
16 Feb 2011
History / Was Daniel Fahrenheit a Pole? [138]
You admit that people can be more than one nationality then? Would you then call von Zelewski Polish and German? He would be invited to the London victory parade as German then?
The Queen is not only British.
You admit that people can be more than one nationality then? Would you then call von Zelewski Polish and German? He would be invited to the London victory parade as German then?
Ziemowit
16 Feb 2011
History / Was Daniel Fahrenheit a Pole? [138]
In the period strictly before the second partion of Poland in 1793, the German inhabitants of Gdańsk/Danzig were dismayed at the prospect of getting under the rule of Prussia. They despised Prussia and its king Frederic and were choosing to remain Polish subjects instead. Unfortunately, Catherine the Great of Russia - who for example ordered the Prussians to move back from lands beyond the new frontier near Toruń/Thorn which the two partitioning powers decided in a treaty, bits of lands which the Prussians tried to steal of Poland despite already getting into possession of the partition territory 'legally' stolen under the treaty thereupon mentioned - remained unmoved, and Gdańsk 'crossed over' to Prussia against the will of its predominantly German population to eventually remain an old Prussian town ever since, although not beyond 1945 when another Russian tsar, Joseph Stalin, or uncle Joseph for the closer circle of acquaintances, decided the other way round.
I'm telling it to show that everything changes and someone who was born Polish may become German in the course of life or vice versa. All in all, God save the Queen who will - as we all on the Polish Forums hope - remain British for ever and ever (unless she decides to become Australian or Polish one day)!
In the period strictly before the second partion of Poland in 1793, the German inhabitants of Gdańsk/Danzig were dismayed at the prospect of getting under the rule of Prussia. They despised Prussia and its king Frederic and were choosing to remain Polish subjects instead. Unfortunately, Catherine the Great of Russia - who for example ordered the Prussians to move back from lands beyond the new frontier near Toruń/Thorn which the two partitioning powers decided in a treaty, bits of lands which the Prussians tried to steal of Poland despite already getting into possession of the partition territory 'legally' stolen under the treaty thereupon mentioned - remained unmoved, and Gdańsk 'crossed over' to Prussia against the will of its predominantly German population to eventually remain an old Prussian town ever since, although not beyond 1945 when another Russian tsar, Joseph Stalin, or uncle Joseph for the closer circle of acquaintances, decided the other way round.
I'm telling it to show that everything changes and someone who was born Polish may become German in the course of life or vice versa. All in all, God save the Queen who will - as we all on the Polish Forums hope - remain British for ever and ever (unless she decides to become Australian or Polish one day)!
Ziemowit
16 Feb 2011
History / Was Daniel Fahrenheit a Pole? [138]
Indeed, you are right. You had only mentioned Zamenhof as a guy who was not invited to take part in the London victory parade of 1946 before you've added George Washington to the list. But you obviously mentioned the parade so many times before it [which your own search shows] that I eventually did get confused over the details.
I am sure that you are entirely mistaken: the search engine shows that I've used the joke precisely once before.
Indeed, you are right. You had only mentioned Zamenhof as a guy who was not invited to take part in the London victory parade of 1946 before you've added George Washington to the list. But you obviously mentioned the parade so many times before it [which your own search shows] that I eventually did get confused over the details.
Ziemowit
16 Feb 2011
History / Was Daniel Fahrenheit a Pole? [138]
The original idea that Columbus was Polish came from a Spaniard or a Portugeese or an Italian person. It has been made into the cover story of one of the recent issues of "NEEWSWEEK Polska". I didn't even bother to buy a copy. Later on I've heard several prominent Polish historians dismissing it as absolute nonsense. But nonsense tends to be repeated on the Polish Forums.
I think I saw this sentence of yours several times already on the Polish Forums; you only change the names of persons concerned. By the way, what's the English equivalent of this Polish saying: "to jest dowcip z długą brodą" [meaning that a joke was repeated so many times before that everyone is bored when having to listen to it once again]?
Earlier someone came up with a thread about Columbus being Polish, tomorrow it will be George Washington and Winston Churchill.
The original idea that Columbus was Polish came from a Spaniard or a Portugeese or an Italian person. It has been made into the cover story of one of the recent issues of "NEEWSWEEK Polska". I didn't even bother to buy a copy. Later on I've heard several prominent Polish historians dismissing it as absolute nonsense. But nonsense tends to be repeated on the Polish Forums.
George Washington was obviously Polish: the only proof you need of that is the fact that he was deliberately excluded from the 1946 victory parade in London.
I think I saw this sentence of yours several times already on the Polish Forums; you only change the names of persons concerned. By the way, what's the English equivalent of this Polish saying: "to jest dowcip z długą brodą" [meaning that a joke was repeated so many times before that everyone is bored when having to listen to it once again]?
Ziemowit
11 Feb 2011
Life / Why Polish people should be proud of being Polish? [370]
I don't think it is an honest answer. I even think that you try to avoid an answer in a nasty way. That's a great pity since until now I have had a high opinion of you and have respected you as a very honest man. But if you have decided to play another Harry on this forum, I am not expecting it an answer from you any longer and wish you all the best in your new role.
Hop onto a tram and get off at Pl. Zamkowy. Go into the Zamek Krolewskie (free on Sundays) and have a look at the map on the throne room wall. It's huge - you can't miss it. Or to save time, just read this thread.
I don't think it is an honest answer. I even think that you try to avoid an answer in a nasty way. That's a great pity since until now I have had a high opinion of you and have respected you as a very honest man. But if you have decided to play another Harry on this forum, I am not expecting it an answer from you any longer and wish you all the best in your new role.
Ziemowit
11 Feb 2011
Life / Why Polish people should be proud of being Polish? [370]
What are the territories that you mean exactly?
Ziemowit:
The vast territories in the east
We're actually talking about the "vast territories" in the south.
The vast territories in the east
We're actually talking about the "vast territories" in the south.
What are the territories that you mean exactly?
Ziemowit
11 Feb 2011
Life / Why Polish people should be proud of being Polish? [370]
There's nothing contradictory in these two statements. The vast territories in the east had not been conquered, but came to be known as 'Poland' through a series of union acts with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the most latest of them, in Lublin in 1569, it was agreed [peacefully] that the lands of Ukraine and Podlachia would thereupon be attached to the Kingdom of Poland, so the Duchy shrinked to the territory of the present Lithuania and Belarus. It was stated that the Kingdom and the Duchy would continue as one commonwealth, each state within it having separate army, treasury, justice and administration, but with a common parliament, the Seym, and a common monarch, the king of Poland and the grand duke of Lithuania.
Quite. One day we hear on this forum that Poland was a great European power, from sea to sea, the next day we hear the opposite, that they never conquered anyone.
There's nothing contradictory in these two statements. The vast territories in the east had not been conquered, but came to be known as 'Poland' through a series of union acts with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the most latest of them, in Lublin in 1569, it was agreed [peacefully] that the lands of Ukraine and Podlachia would thereupon be attached to the Kingdom of Poland, so the Duchy shrinked to the territory of the present Lithuania and Belarus. It was stated that the Kingdom and the Duchy would continue as one commonwealth, each state within it having separate army, treasury, justice and administration, but with a common parliament, the Seym, and a common monarch, the king of Poland and the grand duke of Lithuania.