Learning any language is hard, but learning Polish is a mission that requires determination, will, and persistence. The Polish language is a very complicated one with a rich history of over 1000 years. It’s estimated to have up to 48 million speakers worldwide. Although most speakers reside in Poland, Polish is a language frequently encountered in Germany, the UK, Canada, and the US, to name a few. But the question remains: should I learn Polish?
The simple answer is a resounding yes! Here is why.
6 reasons to learn Polish
Social life
If you are planning on visiting Poland, it is definitely worth learning Polish. Although older people generally do not speak English, the youth often pride themselves on their ability to speak English. However, there is a sense of pride and awe they feel when a foreigner puts in the effort to learn their language. Most foreigners in Poland get by on their knowledge of English alone, but they never truly connect with the people because of this invisible, yet powerful linguistic divide. Have you ever heard a joke that everyone, but you laughed at, but you couldn’t figure out why? Every language has a nuance to it. Languages are shaped by the culture of their speakers, their history. With every step you take in your journey to learn Polish, you peel off another layer of an intricately woven culture and reveal the stories that lie underneath. Every Polish word brings with it an opportunity for you to discover something new about Poles and strengthen your potential bonds with them.
Non-English speakers
Whilst English speakers have the luxury of choosing whether or not to learn Polish, non-English speakers have no such choice. In the past, Russian and German were languages commonly spoken in Poland, but that is quickly dying out with young people focusing their attention on English. For this reason, non-English speakers are presented with two choices: learn Polish or learn English. Although English is a very vital tool in the world today, it is very illogical to attempt to learn a foreign language instead of the language native to the land. People who plan on staying in Poland for many years would benefit from learning Polish much more greatly than learning any other language due to the sheer fact that they boost their potential of speaking to the whole population and not just a select few.
Job opportunities in Poland
The Polish economy has been booming for decades, and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Many companies have invested in Poland for this reason and seek English speakers; however, even more companies desire bilingual workers. Showing your future employer that you speak Polish, no matter how little or unimpressive you may think it is would go a long way. It not only distinguishes you from your fellow non-Polish candidates, but it shows that you place high importance on learning and are adaptable.
Cognitive ability
Whether you eventually choose to settle down in Poland, or you’re just passing through, the positive effects of learning a new language on your brain are undeniable. Several studies show a correlation between being bilingual/multilingual and higher cognitive ability. When you learn a language, it is like you develop a new compartment in your brain with its own rules, connections, triggers, humor, the list goes on. Switching into a different language can transform you into another person because you tap into a whole other world where the rules of your own language no longer matter; and draw from experiences unique to each language.
Challenge yourself
Polish is classified as one of the most difficult languages in the world. It is a fact that many Poles boast about; why not take the opportunity to join the elite group of people who have taken on this challenge? Stop asking if you should learn Polish and just take action.
Why not? It’s fun!
All in all, there is an infinite number of reasons to learn Polish; but there is one drawback: it is difficult. That’s it! But don’t let that stop you, you’ve got this!
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Lovely post 🙂
As a foreigner polish speaker, I totally felt in my own skin what is mentioned in the beggining of this post!
The phenomenom of much higher connection with Poles as I tried to use polish to talk to them, and the feeling that they are greatly more helpful when used polish to approach them, even with mistakes, than when used english.
Pozdrowienia!
Wow what an amazing article! I was in Poland a few years ago and I have to tell you that Poland is so develed country and very interesting. I learn polish every day and there is a first progress of speaking polish.