If you're considering studying in Poland and are curious about the Polish language, here are some fascinating facts to explore:
- Polish belongs to the Indo-European language family, with influences from Czech, German, Latin, as well as English and French over time.
- Approximately 45 million people speak Polish, with 38 million being native speakers. Polish is also used as a secondary language by many worldwide.
- A significant number of students, over 10,000, enroll in Polish universities to study courses taught in Polish.
- The language boasts fourteen different grammatical formations and pronunciations, with around twenty thousand words used in daily communication.
Comparing Polish and English Languages
For international students interested in learning Polish, it's important to note that while the language does incorporate some English words, their meanings can differ.
- The consonants in Polish are largely similar to English.
- Polish utilizes only three tenses: present, past, and future.
- Stress falls on the penultimate syllable when speaking Polish.
- Unlike English, Polish doesn't use articles.
- Many Polish letters resemble those in the English alphabet, and some follow phonetic patterns.
The Benefits of Learning Polish for International Students:
Learning Polish offers more than just proficiency for courses at Polish universities; it also provides a foundation for understanding other West Slavic languages like Slovak, Czech, and Serbian. Additionally, mastering Polish can facilitate learning related languages such as Russian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Bosnian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, and more with greater ease and efficiency.
Is Language Tone Important in Poland?
When speaking Polish, it's crucial to be mindful of formal terms and expressions. Terms like "Pan" for Sir and "Pani" for Lady carry significant weight, reflecting the country's emphasis on politeness.
Greeting by kissing another's hand and maintaining gentleness in speech are essential cultural gestures in Polish communication.
Courtesy and politeness are highly valued, particularly in academic settings, making it essential for international students studying at Polish universities to prioritize these aspects.
International students don't necessarily need to learn Polish as many programs in Poland are offered in English. However, for those interested in learning Polish for academic or daily life purposes, understanding grammar, mastering phonetics, and being mindful of the language's tone are essential steps.