Archive by Author
What does really “Sto Lat” song is about and how to wish Happy Birthday in Polish Posted by Kasia on Sep 1, 2013
Birthdays (urodziny) can be a great barometer of cultural difference. Surrounded by tradition and often accompanied by standard etiquette, they can be a potential minefield for a foreigner. In Poland most people celebrate birthdays however they may not be celebrated with as much enthusiasm as is reserved for “name days” (https://blogs.transparent.com/polish/imieniny/). Perhaps one of the…
How to express condolences in Polish Posted by Kasia on Aug 31, 2013
Sometimes life is not all happiness and beauty. There are some situations that are sad and we need to be serious…I don’t like to write about sad things, but of course we need to learn how to express sadness in a language we are learning. So today I decided to give you a little vocabulary…
How to congratulate someone on engagement and wedding in Polish Posted by Kasia on Aug 28, 2013
When one of your friends or someone from the family is getting married, you may need/want to congratulate them in your (or their) language. If this language happens to be Polish, here are some useful phrases I put together: Gratuluję zaręczyn! (Congratulations on your engagement! – Standard phrase used to congratulate someone on their engagement)…
Maria Konopnicka and her poem “Dziadek przyjdzie” Posted by Kasia on Aug 22, 2013
Maria Konopnicka was not only a gifted poet and novelist, but she was known for her patriotic and social work. Her poetry has great inspirational and patriotic value. She wrote a famous Rota, which gained a status equal to the national anthem. This poem was originally written as protest against German oppression of Polish population…
Would you like to surprise your friend with an email in Polish? Posted by Kasia on Aug 20, 2013
There are times when you really want to show someone how you care and there are different ways to do it. I love when my friends here in America try to write an email, message or card in Polish. I know they really try and I really appreciate it!….Ok, I have to admit, sometimes I…
Common short codes and what they actually mean Posted by Kasia on Aug 15, 2013
With more than 82 million people texting regularly, it’s no wonder you’ve seen this cryptic looking code! Commonly used wherever people get online – including IMing, SMSing, cell phones, PDAs, Web sites, games, newsgroup postings, in chat rooms, on blogs – these abbreviations are used by people to communicate with each other. Most of them…
What is so great about Poland? Posted by Kasia on Aug 13, 2013
Banish the grey and gloomy image. Savvy travellers know Poland offers a rich history, cool cities, stunning scenery and unusual activities! Long scorching summers; endless nearly-white sand beaches; wild mountains and vast forests; national parks that are home to lynx, wolves and golden eagles; homely accommodation and affordable transport; history to entertain the geekiest of…