Poles and their listening skills

another issue I have with some Poles, not all, is the fact that often they don't listen actively.Often times I have to repeat what I said, because some of them are too busy thinking about what they want to say in reply. I have never hear from a Pole: I will think about it lol

It really hinders the communication.

PS. waiting for the Polish brigade to shoot me down. Fire away:)

I think there is some truth in this, aphro. Many are plainly not interested in what you have to say. I acutely feel this as a foreigner. Like yourself, my Polish is easily at that level where they understand me completely (geez, I translate) but it doesn't change the fact that they jibber jabber in amongst themselves.

The worst, of course, is amongst old people. There can be 3 simultaneous conversations going on with no-one listening to one another. Quite astounding!

Yeah, my conclusion is that many are poor listeners.

It seems like instead of conversing with each other they just wait (or not) for their turn to speak. Perhaps Poles and cokeheads have got lot in common. Poles would get really rich if they started exporting the real deal instead of its side-effects ;)

I think some would benefit from relaxation therapy. When you are constantly thinking of the next thing to do or place to be then you are never fully in the moment and open to discussion. Many love the safety of their homes. I've noticed that Poles will often lighten up when they are going home. They might listen to you more then when their minds are unburdened.

It depends on what you say to them.If they find it interesting they will listen.If not they will fart on you as we say here.Many of the features attributed to Poles in this forum can also be found among Germans.

do you find yourself wearing a gas mask whilst conversing with Poles?

I am aware that I have to say very few things that would mind to a Pole so I do not expect any positive feedback.

wow... you go through phases like in marriage... first few months - excitement... close to one year - frustration & crisis... no worries, if you past this stage, everything will fall to its place later on...

I agree 100%, it is almost like they need to come back to you, with a smart reply or loose face.

...I say divorce.. what's the airfare these days from Poland to Canada? ;)

No truth in this. I must write because this is a very grave stereotyping of my nation, and due to which I come into the picture.

We Poles have had some very great thinkers among us, for many political reasons we have not been publicized as much as the germans or russians, but Poland have its gems.

Sometimes we can analyze information quicker perhaps? ... thats why no need to say "I must think over it" ... Why must I waste time when I know the answer? No need to keep anyone guessing. However, if the question requires thought, then thought will surely come into play. I don't think there is any human nation who just doesn't "think" at all on some stuffs. However, not all the things which one person things of as a very critical matter can be thought the same by the person sitting across.

There are all kinds of people in Poland. We end up meeting or communicating those who have most in common with our way of life ... that is because they come across us in positions or places where we are found, and that happens due to some common ways. If one tries to change their minds and personalities, they would meet different people. There are worlds within this world, and everyone lives in their own world and meets its residents mostly. Others are almost aliens, who may at most come across, or might walk on the save pavement, but it doesn't mean that they are a part of your world.

Lets not stereotype ... and when "not all" comes, then it becomes "some people" ... not Poles in general. Can be a german or a russian or an irish or even someone from timbuktoo or china or india or korea!

Girls always talk too much... especially during an important game on TV. We don't multitask as well as you do, give us a break, will ya.


Whatever

everybody does. There are stages of settling in new place;). The worse thing is that I am becoming like that too, help!!!!!!!!!!!!;)


nah........just settling in.

ha! that's this part:


lol chin up! ;)

Just let us watch the game in peace and we can talk later. Now go play with your nails or shoes or go shopping. :)

Honestly i think this subject has more to do with your relationship than Polish people in general.

I disagree. I can watch Nascar on Fox and surf the internet all at the same time. It gets complicated when I have to get my own beer, but that is what a caring, considerate spouse is for, right?

SPEAK LOUDER! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

Havok, there is an element of truth in what she is saying, trust me. Then again, I'm not a believer in typecasting a whole nation. Hence the discussion of experience, forum style ;)

Maybe the fact that you speak a foreign language to them may have something to do with it? Interacting in a foreign lg is stressful for some people.

I thought this for some time, but I really only notice it when I'm speaking English. I can sympathise when I consider just how hard I have to think in order to plan my next sentence in Polish! More often than not, people ask me to repeat myself or try speaking Polish, which shows that they actually care about what I'm saying.

Maybe your imperfect English makes you less comprehensible for those Poles you speak to.

Yes, intelligent people suffer from this malady. Their brain performs hundreds of thought operations per minute and they might find it difficult to concentrate on their interlocutor`s message. Most Poles are like that.

Yes, I admit, sometimes it hinders my communication but thanks to high intelligence, I am able to make up for what I have missed, simply speaking, I can guess what has just been said and I am mostly correct in that.