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EVENTS RECOMMENDED BY KLUB DIALOGU

SIMPLE POLISH GRAMMAR. Excuse me, how do I get to KLUB DIALOGU? 

‘I learned about it in the kitchen’, meaning why is it worth learning Polish?

Warsaw is a dynamic, multicultural city.  Global corporations operate here, which means that both Poles and foreigners alike work in Warsaw.  Very often people speak English at work because it is the official language in the office.  It is interesting that in such a situation the Polish language becomes an informal language: Poles like to talk to their colleagues about private matters in Polish.  This also means that the Polish language helps in integrating with other people from work who speak Polish. If you work near Rondo Daszyńskiego, you can easily reach us.

‘Excuse me, how do I get to KLUB DIALOGU?’.  Learn the meaning of selected ‘motion verbs’

Żeby dojechać do Szkoły KLUB DIALOGU, proszę wsiąść do tramwaju 22 lub 24 na Rondzie Daszyńskiego, przejechać 4 przystanki, wysiąść na przystanku Dworzec Centralny, przejść przez ulicę, dojść do bramy wejściowej, wybrać kod, wejść schodami na pierwsze piętro i przejść przez próg lokalu numer 4. Dzieli nas zaledwie 15 minut!

Czasowniki ruchu w języku polskim są bardzo interesujące. O tym, w którym kierunku będziemy się poruszać, informuje prefiks (mała cząstka, która jest na początku). Najpopularniejsze czasowniki to czasowniki ruchu, na przykład: iść (pieszo/na piechotę), jechać (np. tramwajem) oraz wsiąść (do jakiegoś środka transportu).


The grammar of the Polish language is very logical, and the teachers at the KLUB DIALOGU School are great at explaining it during Polish language courses.  Learning Polish is enjoyable, and using the acquired skills is very satisfying, for example when we understand what is gossiped about in work kitchens and canteens ;).
Our school’s offer can be found HERE.
unusual-polish-easter

Easter in Polish tradition

Easter – is the most important Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, i.e. the victory of life over death. What an eloquent symbol in the 21st century, when an unjust war is still being waged in the center of Europe, in Ukraine. And still, we consider freedom and peace to be the most important values ​​of the modern world. 

It is so difficult to concentrate on preparing for Easter now, knowing that millions of people have lost all their belongings, and often the roof over their heads. That is why we want to dedicate this time to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, surrounding them with support, love, and whatever everyone can offer in their charity. 

Tradition and Custom

In Poland, Easter consists of a number of events. You probably noticed on Sunday 10th April, many people were walking with green or coloured twigs in their hands. These are EASTER PALMS – a symbol of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Let them, this year, be a symbol of the triumphant Ukrainian flag over a free Ukraine!

SATURDAY (8/04) – is a special time of blessing food in the church. On this day, Christians prepare baskets full of food. They include bread, cold cuts, eggs, salt, pepper, and cake. They also put a lamb in the basket made of bread or sugar. However, in each region of Poland, the decoration and composition of Easter baskets differ from each other.

Traditionally, we celebrate Easter on two days: Sunday and Monday.

EASTER SUNDAY (9/04) – In the morning, families sit together at the Easter table, set with various meats, fish and cakes. Of course, you can’t miss vegetable salad, eggs in any form (stuffed, in sauce, baked, coloured), cold cuts, and żurek soup. Before meals, we share the egg and give best wishes.

EASTER MONDAY (10/04) – is associated with fun and …  water! From early morning, especially in the villages, specially dressed boys walk from house to house, scaring the residents and pouring a bucket of water over them. This custom has also settled in cities, so do not be surprised on this day if you are, even accidentally, covered with water on the street!

Let this holiday be not only a triumph of life over death in a symbolic dimension, but also a victory of PEACE over WAR in the here and now! 

The mermaid is a symbol of Warsaw. The oldest Mermaid dates back to 1400 and looked different than today. Then it took the form of a person with wings and a tail. It’s belly was covered with scales. The mermaid turned into a girl with a fish tail only in 1622. Today, the Mermaid holds a sword and a shield in its hand. 

The Mermaid dated from XVII century

How many Mermaids are there in total in Warsaw? No one has counted. There are a lot of them in the Old Town. But not only. You can find them on buildings, lamp posts, stained glass windows, and signboards. Look around carefully, because Mermaids can be found in many places in Warsaw.

Where can you see the Warsaw Mermaid?

1. The Old Town

Go to the Old Town Square. There, in the middle of the square, you will surely notice the Mermaid right away. The monument was made of bronze zinc in 1855. This mermaid was severely damaged during World War II and restored in 1951.

2. Powiśle

This is the most famous Warsaw Mermaid. It was made of bronze in 1939. It is 4.5 meters tall. The originator of this Mermaid was Stefan Starzyński, the mayor of Warsaw, and the creator – Ludwika Nitschowa. Fortunately, the monument was not destroyed during World War II.

 3. Park Mirowski

Here, the Mermaid is a concrete sculpture, and it’s tail is originally bent and forms a bowl shape. 

 

 4. Wiadukt Markiewicza, Karowa Street

A mermaid has decorated this viaduct since 1905.

 5. Inżynierska Street

You will not find a monument here. Look for the bas-relief located on the building of the former tram depot. Have a nice experience!

 6. Katowicka Street, Saska Kępa

To find the Mermaid, you have to walk around the building of the B. Prus High School. On the side wall, from the side of Katowicka Street, there is a bas-relief made by Wojciech Czerwosz.

 

 7. Grochowska Street, Praga Południe

In front of the Praga Południe District Office, the Mermaid modestly looks down. It has neither a shield nor a sword, but it still inspires the respect of passers-by.

 8. Filter Station Complex, Koszykowa Street

The Filter Station complex consists of historic buildings built in 1883–1886. The bas-relief of the Mermaid, made by Jan Goliński, was placed on the building of the Rapid Filters Plant.

 9. Sejm, Wiejska Street

This Mermaid is hard to see because it is located on the wooden balustrade of government benches in the Seym Hall.

Trivia

Soldiers of the British Queen’s Royal Hussars wear a patch with the Warsaw Mermaid on the left sleeve of their uniforms.  This privilege was granted to them by General Władysław Anders for the support given to Polish soldiers during the Battle of Ancona in 1944.

Learning Polish can be interesting and inspiring. Welcome to the KLUB DIALOGU School of Polish for Foreigners.

Text and photos from Wikipedia: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warszawska_Syrenka

M for Metro.  Works of Wojciech Fangor in Warsaw

Have you seen the M-shaped entrances to the Metro in Warsaw?  Or maybe you noticed the names of the stations: Świętokrzyska, Uniwersytet or Rondo ONZ?  These are things that reveal Wojciech Fangor’s character.

Wojciech Fangor

Wojciech Fangor (1922 – 2015) – a well-known Polish painter, draftsman, sculptor and poster artist.  He is considered one of the last “great masters” of the 20th century.  In the early 1960s, he became famous for his ‘pulsating’ painting – abstract paintings that gave the impression of movement.  His painting experiments were groundbreaking not only in Poland, but likewise in art around the globe.

The works of this famous Varsovian can be found in various places in the city.  Only 300 meters from KLUB DIALOGU Polish Language School there are other, often ignored by passers-by, Fangor accents that decorate our surroundings.  An ordinary subway journey to a Polish language course can be a time to encounter colourful mosaics.  What are we talking about here?

It’s worth looking around!

The mosaics that decorate the Warsaw Śródmieście Railway Station were entered into the national register of monuments last year.  In total, there are 52 ceiling mosaics – it’s worth looking up sometimes!  – as well as 27 mosaics that are in the halls and in the former waiting rooms along the side platforms.  The tiles were made in the Faience Works in Włocławek, and some of the necessary dyes were even imported from Italy.

Meet Wojciech Fangor at exhibitions!

For fans of Fangor and art lovers, the Polish Language School KLUB DIALOGU has good news!  Until March 2023, you can see two exhibitions celebrating the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth: ‘Fangor.  Poza Obraz‘ in Gdańsk https://www.mng.gda.pl/wystawy/fangor-poza-obraz/ and ‘Fangor. Wielowymiarowy’ at the Centre of Contemporary Art in Warsaw https://u-jazdowski.pl/program/wystawy/fangor-wielodimensional

Images courtesy of Wikimedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=fangor+metro&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image

effective communikation

THE POWER OF COMMUNICATION. HOW TO SPEAK SO THAT WE ARE HEARD? – Why is it so important not only while learning the polish language? (Episode I)

How to speak so that we are heard? Why is effective communication so important not only when learning Polish?

The Polish Language School for Foreigners KLUB DIALOGU is a unique place where not only Polish lessons take place, but where we passionately share Polish tradition, culture, and lifestyle. We understand DIALOGUE as effective communication, full acceptance of the diversity of cultures, openness to exchanging thoughts, and the willingness to get to know each other. That’s why we like to talk so much ?.

That’s all (and so much) about KLUB DIALOGU School. What does sociological research say?

Many sociological studies show that the effectiveness of our communication (i.e., whether we are heard and understood) depends largely on our origin (country, region, family, community) and cultural experiences.

Deborah Tannen is a professor of linguistics and author of many publications on interpersonal communication, which proves that competent people are not always listened to. It turns out that HOW something is said more important than WHAT is said.

Language is not only a tool for communicating information, and learning Polish is not only a verbal statement.

Everything we want to say has to be said in the right way. Therefore, depending on the situation, we adjust the tone of the voice, its intensity, and even the speed of speech. Elements such as addressing the other person directly or indirectly, choice of words, a pause, and even the use of questions or apologies are important. These are cultural signals that not only communicate what we mean, but evaluate us as human beings.

For example, a discreet PAUSE. A pause that appears in a dialogue between two people. In each country, and even region of the same country, it is treated as ‘natural’ in a different way. In NY City, the long pause in speech is unbearable, so people keep talking until their interlocutor cuts in. Meanwhile, in Texas – only a longer pause allows the interlocutor to express his opinion. This slight difference in conversation style can have a huge impact on communication and how we will be judged.

When learning Polish (or any other foreign language), make sure that your style of expression is respected. People from all over the world apply for a group Polish language course, which is why it is so important to respect each other’s communication styles. Italians are said to speak loudly and quickly, which is why they dominate the rest of the group. The Japanese are withdrawn and don’t ‘cut people off’; because of this, they can avoid interactions.

Polish is difficult, and learning Polish as a foreign language can be exhausting, so a pleasant atmosphere during Polish lessons will be an advantage when we want to be heard.

‘Me’, ‘mine’, ‘ours’ – how to communicate effectively and emphasize your own value? Take this also into account when learning Polish

You probably heard often how the leader of your team brags about your joint project saying: ‘My project has received the recognition of the CEO!’.

Deborah Tannen’s research on the style of expression shows that it is mostly men who will use the words ‘me’, and ‘mine’, when it comes to teamwork, as opposed to women, who will judge even their own work as ‘our project’, expecting – sometimes unsuccessfully – that someone else will appreciate them. Ultimately, whoever fights for it and communicates loudly gains recognition and is heard.

You probably noticed that women are in majority in KLUB DIALOGU Polish Language School ?. It just so happened, but thanks to this, we are a perfectly harmonious and a strong team, which together builds its values ​​and creates its identity. During Polish language courses, we try to praise our students a lot and encourage them to learn. This is important because although self-motivation is the key to success, the incentive of the teacher is the fuel that drives this motivation. Don’t forget to celebrate even those little successes. Talk about them. This naturally affects fantastic development, and learning Polish becomes an adventure and a pleasure!

Self-confidence gives many benefits in personal life and has a positive effect on learning Polish

Self-confidence is one of the main attributes that determine whether someone wants to listen to you. Especially in large corporations, it is this feature that determines whether the CEO (or another director) will decide on your case to be YES or NO. Your credibility and diligence is hidden precisely in self-confidence.

Research by psychologist Lauren Heatherington and her team shows that women are more likely to downplay their certainty; men are more likely to minimize their doubts. This is important information that is worth working on.

And again, the association with learning Polish comes to mind. If you do not know which grammatical form to use in a sentence, just be confident and the interlocutor will not even notice minor mistakes. They will be delighted that you speak Polish! Acceptance to make mistakes is one of the key values. It opens the mind to ‘learning from one’s own mistakes’, thus accelerating the process of learning Polish as a foreign language.

You can also practice during the Polish language lessons at KLUB DIALOGU School as much as you want. Be confident and learning Polish will bring the desired results! Check your language level, choose a Polish course for yourself and join us today!

Direct speech is an important part of effective communication. It is worth taking this into account when learning Polish

We all know that it is better to be clear about what we mean. Unfortunately, indirect speech is much more often used in communication between people. This is an element that distinguishes the culture of one country from another and can cause great confusion.

In Poland, you have probably encountered a direct form of giving orders, which could be offensive to you. A Polish boss will say: ‘The accountant needs help with the wage slips, help him tomorrow morning’.

On the other hand, the greatest value in Far Eastern culture is the ability to communicate whilst not speaking directly, in order to ‘not lose face’. For example, the Chinese are very sensitive to the so-called ‘loss of face’. It means that even trivial (from the point of view of a European) mishaps can be considered a total embarrassment. So we will not hear from a Chinese person that we are poor employees, that we speak Chinese or English poorly, or that we are doing something wrong. Any comments will always be articulated very politely, indirectly, like ‘maybe you could change the method’, ‘I think if you would do it this way, you would do it even better’.

Another example?

Have you eaten today? – a Chinese person will often ask you. A European might perceive it as an invitation to lunch or dinner. However, it’s just like our ‘how are you today?’. We should not answer this question in the negative, because it is not about whether we have actually already eaten today. The Chinese explain this by the poverty that prevailed in China in the past and in which time this greeting was born. It had a literal meaning at the time, but today it is just a simple greeting.

Conclusion: Both direct and indirect speech can be effective forms of communication as long as the chosen style is understood equally by both parties.

Working in such a diverse environment as the Polish Language School for Foreigners KLUB DIALOGU, we must constantly observe and learn the communication styles presented by our students. This is an extremely important cultural aspect that affects whether students will be willing to learn Polish or not. Learning Polish as a foreign language requires a direct form, especially at lower levels. A student with a limited vocabulary is also forced to use direct phrases, even if they may sound rude (for example in a shop: ‘give milk’). Do not give up. Practice is the most important thing!

The Polish language course guarantees that the student will learn a lot about Polish culture, the communication styles used (e.g. formal and informal), colloquial speech, what is allowed and what is considered rude. Talking to other students is also learning Polish, which broadens your horizons.

Conclusion: How to speak so that we are listened to and why is it so important not only when learning Polish?

So what is the most effective way to communicate in order to be heard and understood (also in a foreign language, for example, in Polish)?

There is no one answer.

Effective communication is not just about saying what we mean. HOW we say it is important. And the style of communication (how we speak and listen) differs significantly between people. It is influenced by many factors, such as: the situation in which we found ourselves, culture (country, work), subordination in an organisation, cultural experiences, or who we talk to. Therefore, we can easily get into trouble when we want to interpret someone else’s statement through our prism.

When learning Polish as a foreign language, many misunderstandings can arise. It is important to talk about them. This is one of the reasons why Polish language lessons at KLUB DIALOGU School are available. The huge variety of students from all over the world (from America to Japan) means that we can learn from each other. It is worth having courage, asking, making mistakes, communicating, looking at your strengths and using them.

Each Polish language course is a unique adventure that we undertake together with our students.

Summer in Warsaw has its charm and it is never boring! Especially since we can choose from many attractions. Be sure to check them out and share your impressions with us.

Attention, a CHALLENGE for YOU!

Visit the recommended places and post about it on your FB and/or Instagram profile, and you will receive a 5% discount on your dream Polish language course at KLUB DIALOGU school.

How to do it?

On FB – 1) like KLUB DIALOGU’s FB FunPage. 2) On your profile, create a post with your report about the visit to the selected place and add photos. 3) in the post, mark the location of KLUB DIALOGU and publish.

On Instagram – 1) follow KLUB DIALOGU’s profile on Instagram @klubdialogu, 2) share a photo from the selected place on your Insta-story and tag @klubdialogu (make sure to make printscreen and send them all to us at the end of the competition).

The discount for individual posts doesn`t sum up, but if you mark us in all 7 places, at the end of summer, among those who do it, we will raffle a special prize – 10% discount!

WARSAW’S SUMMER ATTRACTIONS – 7 recommendations

1. COLOUR FOUNTAIN SHOWS at Podzamcze

On Friday and Saturday evenings at 9.30pm (in July) and 9pm (in August) there are 30-minute “water-light-sound” multimedia shows with the use of LED floodlights and lasers. Each season, a new show is presented in the form of an animated story. It is the perfect place to take Instagram photos in beautiful summer scenery!

Admission: free.

Where: Skwer 1 Dywizji Pancernej WP, 00-221 Warsaw

See more

2. LEGIA WARSAW MUSEUM

Sports fans can enjoy many exhibits related to Polish sports successes and the most famous coaches: the legendaryKazimierz Deyna and Kazimierz Górski and learn about the team history.

Admission: free (Saturday, Sunday – closed, Mon-Fri: 9am – 6pm)

Where: Łazienkowska 3, 00-449 Warsaw

See more

3. VIEW OF WARSAW from the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science

There is a Viewing Terrace on the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science. At 114 m you can see the panoramic view of Warsaw. The elevator ride to the Terrace takes only 19 seconds. On the 30th floor there is also a café called ‘Gwiazdy bliżej Gwiazd’ (‘Stars closer to Stars’)

Admission: 25 PLN

Where: Plac Defilad

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4. KAMPINOSKI FOREST or KABACKI FOREST

At the two ends of the M1 metro line, nature is especially spectacular. Puszcza Kampinoska (Kampinoska Forest) and Las Kabacki (Kabacki Forest) are one of the most charming places, where there are walking, running, and cycling routes for the whole family. If you are lucky, you can find elk, roe deer, and wild boar here.

Admission: free

Where: Kampinos Forest – Młociny metro station, Kabacki Forest – Matro Kabaty

5. MILK BAR – Bar Gdański

Bar Gdański – one of the most iconic milk bars in the capital, the history of which dates back to the 1950s. Although the interior of the canteen has been renovated, many old elements have survived: historic floors and mosaics, which give the interior a charming reminiscent atmosphere. The Gdański Bar serves traditional soups, main courses (fish, vegetarian, and meat) and drinks.

Lunch: from 13.13 PLN

Where: ul. Generała Władysława Andersa 33

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6. THE FRYDERYK CHOPIN MUSEUM

This is a unique museum not only for music lovers. Thanks to multimedia installations, you will get acquainted with the music of Fryderyk Chopin and learn about the stages of the life and work of this outstanding Pole.

In front of the museum you will find a fountain with the Golden Duck – the heroine of one of Warsaw’s legends.

Admission: 23 PLN

Where: ul. Okólnik 1

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7. REST BY THE VISTULA RIVER

The Vistula (Wisła) is the last remaining large wild river in Europe. On the right bank of the river (on the Praga side) you will find beautiful natural beaches for sunbathing, sports, and fun. From here you can see perfectly the panorama of the Old Town. The opposite, left bank of the Vistula River is a place for meetings and spending time together. Here, on the picturesque Vistula boulevards, you can relax in cafes and restaurants, or walk or ride a bike.

Admission: free

Where: both banks of the Vistula

konstytucje 3 maja

You probably noticed that the first week of May in Poland was a loooong weekend.

What is the May 3 Constitution Day?

The day of May 3 is ‘Constitution Day’ in Poland, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution on May 3, 1791. It was the first Constitution to be passed in Europe and the second in the world (after the US Constitution passed in 1787). This event is considered to be one of the most important in the history of Poland. It had its further consequences… The adoption of this highest legal act provoked hostility of the Russian Empire, which in 1793 and 1795, together with Austria and Prussia, completely annexed Poland. Poland lost its independence for 123 years, only to regain it after the First World War in 1918.

Why was the Constitution of May 3 created?

The constitution passed on May 3 introduced a number of changes to the Polish system, in particular:

# heredity of the throne, which was to prevent foreign interference in the affairs of the Republic of Poland,

# improved the functioning of the state administration,

# gave new rights to all citizens.

Where is the original May 3 Constitution document?

Three original copies of the Constitution of May 3 are in the Central Archives of Historical Records in Warsaw.

And what does the Constitution of May 3 mean for us today?

In today’s Poland, May 3 is a day off, and people celebrate by participating in parades, concerts, and public appearances. The Constitution of May 3, although it was only in force for a year at the time, gave Poland an impulse to adopt a modern Constitution on April 2, 1997, which is still in force today.

In KLUB DIALOGU Polish Language School we teach  not only the Polish language, but also share our culture, tradition and lifestyle with students. You too – are very welcome to our School :)!

nauka-polskiego

FROM A0 TO THE B1 CERTIFICATE EXAM IN POLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. HOW IT’S POSSIBLE? An interview with our real Chinese student.

Zeming (he likes it when he is called Zeminek, i.e. using the Polish diminutive form) is the first student from China who started learning Polish from scratch at our KLUB DIALOGU school. After less than 5 years, in March 2022, he took the State Certificate Examination at B1 level. Students, especially from non-Slavic-speaking countries who take up this considerable challenge, know that it is a great achievement! Congratulations! ?

That is why we asked ‘Zeminek’ for a short interview about his way through this ‘silk road’!

Hi Zeminek, thank you for agreeing to talk about your ‘passion’ for the Polish language, all the more that all your Polish as a foreign language learning from A0 to the B1 exam took place at the KLUB DIALOGU School ?. You give hope and faith to our other students that it is possible! So tell me:

Are you a real Chinese guy? How old are you?

Ha, ha – oh yeah! I am a real Chinese guy! I was born in Shanghai, China, and am now 30 years old.

When did you come to Poland and how did your adventure with the Polish language begin?

On the very first day, when I landed in Poland, in October 2017, I thought that it would be worth starting to learn the native language. Different continent, different country, different people, and different letters! Yes, I absolutely had to study it! So I was just surfing the Internet when I found the Polish Language School for Foreigners KLUB DIALOGU. It immediately caught my attention because it stood out among other offers. I thought it was a good choice. I didn’t hesitate for long and came straight to the school office. And here I am! ‘I grew’ with you for 5 years! ?

It’s wonderful that you are with us! So tell me which elements of the Polish language were the most problematic to learn?

Grammar! Horror, massacre! And including: any order of words in the sentence, conjugation and declension, gender: masculine, feminine and neutral and their inflection!, personal pronouns!!, inflection of numerals!!!, oh my God, Vocative?!!!! – nooo – almost everything. And you know how Poles talk quickly …

Even so, Poles speak slower than Italians! ? Well, we have to try harder! How much is Chinese different from Polish?

Very! I don’t even know where to start? Of course, you can see the difference in the alphabet at first glance ?. And then it only gets worse. The Chinese language has practically no grammar, maybe to a small extent, while the grammar of the Polish language is crucial in communication. For example, nouns in Chinese have virtually no inflection. There are no coincidences or even plural – just add a number and you will know what amount you are talking about. Verbs are also not inflected, neither by persons nor by tenses. The appropriate time is indicated in a sentence by time factors such as “yesterday” and “tomorrow”. Also, the counting system in Chinese is slightly different than in Polish. And each part of a sentence has a specific, fixed place in the pattern. Remembering the order guarantees the grammatical correctness of the statement.

Yeah. Chinese seems to be much easier than Polish, although I don’t know if I could remember Chinese characters… And what surprised you the most about Poland and Poles, when you came to our country for the first time?

Many things, but I think the most important are: strong, good beer, generally good looking people, both women and men (ha, ha), that people in Poland are really nice (so far I have not experienced any discrimination), the fact that there are so many beautiful parks here in Warsaw and around it, and of course FLACZKI, which I really like ?

Could you list 5 cultural/lifestyle differences between Poles and the Chinese?

Hard to say. China is changing dynamically, and cultures and lifestyles even differ between regions in China. One thing is obvious – we eat more rice & pasta than bread & potatoes. But seriously, what I noticed is that the Chinese are a collective society, while the Poles are individualists. This can be seen, inter alia, in discussions during which each Pole must have his own separate opinion. In China, too, not everything needs to be said straightforwardly; people interpret the context more, while in Poland rules and principles dominate. For example: ‘No’ means refusing, and guests don’t refuse. That’s why the Chinese will always say yes. If ‘yes’ meant true ‘yes’ then it’s okay. However, if ‘yes’ means ‘no’, the Chinese will simply not answer our phone, or otherwise signal his different opinion.

The intricacies of communication… ? Finally, 2 more questions: Was the State Examination of Polish as a Foreign Language for the B1 Certificate difficult for you? Did something surprise you? Were you very stressed?

Well … I’m not overly happy with the ‘writing’ part. My teacher repeatedly told me to practice writing under time pressure, but I was sure that I would be fine. During the exam, however, it turned out that the time was inexorable and I finished my essay quite awkwardly at the last minute. Luckily, the ‘reading’ and ‘listening’ parts turned out to be easier than I expected. Maybe because my teacher gave me more difficult examples during the Polish language lessons during the B1 exam preparation course. I think that in the end, the Polish as a foreign language exam went better than I expected. It is thanks to my teacher Sandra and the KLUB DIALOGU School, which showed great patience with me and kept my motivation, especially when I was returning to China for a long time.

Yes, of course I was stressing out a lot!

And the last question: Are you going to stay longer in Poland now?

Of course, I intend to stay in Poland. I have no plans neither to leave Poland to another country, nor go back to China. I started my economic studies here at the University of Warsaw, but during the pandemic I had to quit. Now I work in the ‘game & nft’ industry and although it’s still working from home, I like it.

Thank you very much, Zeminek, and good luck! See you at the Polish Language School for Foreigners KLUB DIALOGU, because you still have an exam at the B2 and C1 levels ?
Dorota Maszkiewicz, Managing Director

CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE IN POLAND. Trivia.

This is a corner for those who like to know what is going on around them. And it is happening! Warsaw is teeming with life! You probably still remember that extraordinary night on January 31st? And red hearts distributed in the street. It was played by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP). For 30 years in a row, this charitable foundation, created by an exceptional man – Jurek Owsiak, collects funds for the purchase of medical equipment. During the 30 Final, over PLN 1.6 billion was raised. The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity bought and handed over 66,150 devices to health care facilities all over Poland. It is estimated that every fifth equipment in hospitals comes from the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. According to public opinion polls, the foundation has been the most trusted by charity organisations for many years. There is none like it in the world!

Interestingly? It is from Jurek Owsiak that phrases that have become a permanent part of the Polish dictionary: ‘sie ma’ (hi), ‘Róbta co chceta’ (do what you wish), ‘gramy do końca świata i jeden dzień dłużej’ (‘we play until the end of the world and one day longer’).

What else?

Just in few days, the 24th February, there will be FAT THURSDAY (TŁUSTY CZWARTEK in Polish). It is a traditional Catholic Christian feast marking the last Thursday before Lent, thus the beginning of fasting before Easter. In Poland, we celebrate this day by eating… doughnuts! Doughnuts are yeast cakes traditionally filled with rose or another sweet flavoured jam.

The tradition of eating doughnuts on Fat Thursday in Poland goes back to the 17th century. This day precedes Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40 days fast.

Among bakers and confectioners, Fat Thursday is regarded as one of the busiest days of the year, with many cake shops open from the early hours of the morning after a marathon night of frying doughnuts. Bon Appetit!!

For some visitors from other countries, Poland seems to be a very cold country. They sometimes say it’s as cold in here as in Antarctica. Meanwhile, the temperature differences between the two places are huge! ? The average winter temperature in Antarctica is -44˚C, yet in Poland only -0.4˚C.

Warsaw is impressive during the winter season. Ice rinks, winter fairs, walks in the snow, mulled wine in a charming restaurant, or light shows, can enchant everyone. Winter in Warsaw cannot be boring! Check the details below.

1. Relax in a sauna on the Vistula River

The Floating Sauna on the Vistula River is a unique attraction! This unique facility began operating in November 2021 and is open from 6am until midnight. It’s the longest open sauna in Warsaw. What’s the best part? You can use the sauna for free, but only at certain times, and rent it exclusively! https://saunawisla.pl/

2. Fun at the ice rink

In winter, public ice rinks are open in various parts of Warsaw, where you can easily skate: alone, with your family, or with a larger group of friends. It is a great form of outdoor activity. Check which place is closest to you: an ice rink in the Bródnowski Park, an ice rink in Galeria Młociny, an ice rink in the area of ​​Centrum Praskie Koneser, or the largest ice rink, the Stegny Skating Rink. You can really develop high speeds at Stegny!

3. Relaxation in the Elektra Reading Room

A “temple of analogue culture” was established in Śródmieście. An unusual reading room where you can read a book, listen to a vinyl record, and drink coffee. An ideal place for autumn and winter evenings. https://www.facebook.com/CzytelniaElektra/

4. Madness on Górka Szczęśliwicka

Górka Szczęśliwicka is the only place in Warsaw where you can try your hand at skiing. There is even a ski lift here! Next to the ski facility, on smaller hills, the residents of Warsaw, with the right amount of snow, can slide down sledges. Arrange to go with your friends and let loose! https://gorka-szczesliwicka-cennik.com/

5. Visit a luminous land: the Royal Garden of Light

The Royal Garden of Light in Wilanów is the favourite fall-winter exhibition of Warsaw residents, which will be open only until February 27, 2022. After dark, visitors to the palace are led by a 75-metre luminous tunnel in which classical music plays overhead. After the tunnel, you discover a beautiful, colourful and full of light – King’s Winter Garden… https://www.wilanow-palac.pl/royal_garden_of_light_1.html