Archive for May, 2011
Using “u” and “ó” Posted by Kasia on May 31, 2011
Both vowels are pronounced the same. It means the difference between them is purely orthographic. Students do not like them because of the spelling errors they cause (and because of the bad marks as a consequence). The character ó is named “u” kreskowane (more often) or “o” kreskowane in Polish. The vowel u (spelt u…
Who developed early television? Posted by Kasia on May 30, 2011
Modern television was not so much a single invention by a single person, but a long process of interdependent discoveries. Many scientists from different countries and backgrounds contributed to its development. Among them were Poles. Paul Gottlieb Nipkow (1860-1940) is usually called a German inventor. But more detailed sources identify him as a Kaszubian Pole…
Małgorzata Dydek Posted by Kasia on May 27, 2011
Małgorzata (aka Margo) Dydek was the 3rd tallest (known) woman in the world. Most extra tall ladies are absolute darlings and Margo seemed to be no exception. It’s certainly not easy to be 7’2″ but it helps when you’re a lovely person and there’s no doubt that Margo fit that bill. Former WNBA player has…
What do you want to be when you grow up? Posted by Kasia on May 26, 2011
You probably remember people asking you this question where you were little…and when you were in high school…and when you were choosing which college to go to. The answer probably has changed few times as you were getting older… Here is a list of most popular professions: lawyer – prawnik judge – sędzia doctor – lekarz…
Gold in Poland? Posted by Kasia on May 25, 2011
Did you know that in the second half of 16th century gold mines on the territory of today Poland produced 8% of European gold? Today there is a gold mine – museum there – in Złoty Stok (meaning Golden Slope), Southwestern Poland. The only Polish gold mine which still brings a profit! It is owned…
Polka Posted by Kasia on May 24, 2011
For many of us, some of the fondest memories of grandma and grandpa are of visits to their house where the radio was set to a program that blared out polka, obereks and rhinelanders. Theories on the origin of the polka have been well explored before. Briefly, the music and dance are of Bohemian (Czech)…
“For” in Polish translation Posted by Kasia on May 23, 2011
The English preposition for has a wide variety of translations into Polish. The most important ones are given below: Czy te kwiaty są dla mnie? Are those flowers for me? (for the benefit of) To jest łatwe dla ciebie. That’s easy for you. (easy/hard for) sztuka dla sztuki art for art’s sake (for the sake…