Life / Russian Language - is it offensive if I speak it to Polish people? [69]

Well, it's obvious for everyone...obviously!

On topic: I don't think anyone would be offended for someone speaking Russian to them in Poland...it'd just be more a case of not being understood by younger people, as has already been said.

Life / Russian Language - is it offensive if I speak it to Polish people? [69]


No! Britain = Wales, Scotland & England together.
Britanny (Bretagne in French) is a region of northwest France. Britain and Britanny are different words in English and have different corresponding meanings.
England is not the same thing as Britain. Of course people in Wales won't like it if you call their country England, as it simply isn't England! Fact!

Britain is not the same thing as Britanny (Bretagne).

Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]

As part of my university degree years ago, I did a dissertation on Anglicisms in other languages, with a focus on (Anglicisms in) French. What an interesting thread!

I think it's part of natural language progression that languages will always absorb words from other languages, especially dominant ones.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]

I don't think Poles have as much social intelligence as other cultures.
They have no qualms about blocking pavements so that other people have to go onto the roadway to get past them; they don't generally stand out of your way for you; don't hold doors open for others, nor say 'sorry' if they bump into you. Poles think nothing of barging into on the pavement, as though you weren't there. It's weird.

You don't notice this as much in Poland, but it stands out more in Dublin when you come into contact with Poles.

Life / Why are Poles always so miserable? Why do they never smile? [512]

I find the Poles generally very serious, reserved and some are even quite narky.
A minority, though, are cool and outgoing.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]

I don't think Poles are rude; their manners are just a bit different.
For example, when I was in Poland (only on a short visit, mind) I noticed that people there generally don't hold open a door for you. There are also more sparing with 'please' and thank you' than their Irish counterparts would be.

I remember, in Zakopane, I held a door open for a guy coming out of a shop and he starred after me in amazement!

I think Poles' radar is a lot smaller than an Irish person's. An Irish person is more aware of what's going on around them, like standing back for someone, holding a door, etc.

In the bus station in Krakow, the woman at the information desk yelled at for asking her a question! I didn't mind, as I find it funny!

Also, I get the feeling Poles don't do 'small talk' like the way Irish people do. This might come across as standoffish to an Irish/British person, but I think it's just the Polish way and isn't rudeness.

But these are just minor things and the Poles have other redeeming qualities. Differences, after all, are what make the world interesting.