Posts by Glarryg

Glarryg

22 Mar 2009

Language / Polish Polka Music: Question About A Common Phrase [9]

polka is a czech music... stop associate this stuff with Poland

I'm well aware of that, but several other cultures (German, Dutch, Swiss, American, and Mexican, to name some) have their own styles of polka. Chicago style-- since the name was apparently not a giveaway-- isn't from Poland, either; when I said "musicians of Polish descent," I meant that the people who play the music came from families that once lived in Poland. You know, descendants of Polish people.

And, yes, Eurola, I'm a Versatones fan, but most of what I listen to comes from slightly father east, around Lake Erie.

Also, thanks, Chi.

Glarryg

Glarryg

21 Mar 2009

Language / Polish Polka Music: Question About A Common Phrase [9]

Believe it or not, I'm an aficianado of contemporary polka music, particularly Chicago-style polkas which tend to feature musicians of Polish descent. Likewise, they sing a lot of songs in Polish (some original, some apparently older folk tunes). I find these tunes quite interesting and fun to sing.

Although I don't speak Polish, I've taught myself to read it fairly well using a few books and a good deal of ear training with the music I own. A phrase that seems to come up often is "oj dana." Translation websites haven't helped me figure out its meaning ("given oj?"), so I'm guessing it's some sort of slang term. Does anyone know what it would mean in the context of a sing? If it helps, the phrase is often sung by the background singers, often in response to the lead singer.

Thanks,
Glarryg