POLAND - WARSAW

I can tell you that trying to learn Polish as an exchange student  is a fascinating but challenging experience. Polish is a Slavic language with its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Even though I’m struggling to understand it, I find the language captivating and worth the effort to learn.

At the beginner level, I learned the basics such as greetings, numbers, and simple phrases. It gave me some confidence to try speaking with locals, but as I progressed, I realized that the language is much more complex than I expected. The pronunciation is especially difficult for me as some sounds do not exists in my native language. It’s hard to produce the right sounds, and I feel like I’m constantly butchering the language.

To tackle this challenge, I started with listening exercises, watching Polish movies with subtitles, and listening to Polish songs. This helped me get used to the rhythm and melody of the language. I also started practicing with locals, and they corrected my pronunciation and gave me feedback on my progress. It was helpful to have someone who could tell me what I was doing wrong and gave me tips on how to improve.

Grammar is another challenge. Unlike English and German, which is mostly a subject-verb-object language, Polish has a flexible word order and seven grammatical cases. It’s not easy to understand when and how to use them, and I often get confused when trying to form sentences. It’s hard to keep track of all the different endings and genders, and I often need to check the declension tables to make sure I’m using the right form.

To improve my grammar skills, I started using textbooks and online resources. I also started to practice writing in Polish and asking native speakers to correct my mistakes. However, it turns out that my preferred area revolves more verbally than in a written format.

One of the things I love about learning Polish is the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Poland. As I am learning the language, I am also trying to educate myself about the traditions, customs, and everyday life of Polish people. I discovered new foods, songs, and holidays that I had never heard of before. It is like opening a door to a whole new world, and I am excited to keep exploring it.

However, sometimes it can be frustrating to communicate with locals outside of Warsaw. Some of them do not speak English or other languages, so I need to use my limited Polish to make myself understood. It can be challenging to express myself, and I often make mistakes or struggle to find the right words. But I have found that most Poles are patient and understanding, and they appreciate the effort I am making to learn their language.

One thing  has helped me is using Polish in everyday situation. I practice ordering food, asking for directions, and making small talk with locals. It is a great way to practice speaking, and it also gives me the opportunity to learn new vocabulary and grammar in context. I am also taking a course at my university, which has been helpful in providing a structured learning environment.

But despite the difficulties, I’m motivated to keep learning. I find speaking with locals and practicing every day helps me improve. Even though it’s frustrating to make mistakes and not be able to express myself as fluently as I would like, I remind myself that language learning is a process, and every little step counts. In conclusion, learning Polish as a beginner is a challenging but rewarding experience. The language has its own charm and character that makes it unique. Although it takes effort and patience to master, it’s worth it for the connections and experiences it can bring. I look forward to continuing my language journey and seeing where it takes me.