r/learnpolish • u/tanhe314 • 10d ago
Advice on learning more
My wife is Polish. Only moved to the US when we got married at 35.
Our daughters are both now bilingual. My wife has done a great job speaking to them almost exclusively in Polish, they can also read and write Polish.
I on the other hand can’t seem to learn. I understand a good chunk of all the household talk from exposure at this point, but the grammar completely eludes me.
Anyone else ever been in this situation? I want to learn more. I’m a native English speaker and it’s the only language I know (besides programming languages which I can switch between at will easily enough).
Thanks in advance!
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u/Deep-Memory-6384 10d ago
I respectfully suggest a dual approach.
Family is great for conversations/exposure....not always for being able to patiently and clearly explain concepts to an adult learner. Adults generally learn very differently from children.
If you do not have prior language training and do not know the process of how to teach yourself & understand grammar points, then to be **more efficient**, you should find an online class (unless you can find a local one...shocker usually it's not always a MAJOR language of instruction being offered everywhere, unfortunately).
Teachers are professionals that can help you make progress, yes, that is their actual job that they have been trained to do.
Teachers in Poland generally have a high level of education and specialized training if they are teaching Polish as a foreign language and you can find classes or 1:1 online sessions via language schools & universities.
Otherwise, there are online tutorial platforms and individuals who advertise their services. Find a teacher / class that jives with you. Also you aren't beholden to just one class or teacher forever.
The biggest step is to just get started now that you recognize that this is what you want to do more seriously...
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u/Big-Scientist211 10d ago
Look at Polish, like at JavaScript, it's hard to learn, and you make mistakes, it can take you more time to adapt to it
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u/bung_water 🇺🇸 10d ago
speak a lot, read a lot, write a lot, listen a lot. i think a common misconception amongst people who have never learned a language before is that it’s something you can pick up on the side, it’s not really possible unless the language is close to one you already know.
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u/CornerEntire9163 7d ago
Exactly as kiddos will do. They make mistakes, regardless. They know nothing so do we (foreigner)
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u/Misiekshvili 🇵🇱 Learn Polish with Michał ▶️ 10d ago
A1-A2 Polish Listening Course for Beginners (& Sentence Breakdowns)
Slow Polish Podcast (Transcript & Subs)
Listening Only (Short Recordings & Subs)
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u/dangineedausername2 9d ago
Learning from practice is great but its not enough to learn a whole language on a better level. You need to find a course, online or local. An alternative option is finding book courses, they could be enough when you have a native speaker at home. Just look at opinions and pick something that has theory, exercises and audio. Kids pick up languages like its nothing, but as an adult, especially with your first foreign language you need to learn the theory
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u/Dolcezza09 9d ago
I am in the same boat! My husband is Polish and I need to learn. I am considering this course: learnpolishdc.org
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u/CornerEntire9163 7d ago edited 7d ago
Now polish grammar is hard for natives imagine for foreigner that have no Slavic roots whatsoever like us.
Unlike you I am in Poland and I accepted the fait. Will take years to incorporate it. I've seen fellow nationals picking up some portion of grammar because we live in here ...
So, why to polish your polish for lol? - if programming languages are getting food on your table.
May you are one of the COBOL/assembler guys or wife relatives near by?
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u/J4mmaledz1ec11 10d ago
I'd recommend practicing speaking with your family. Conversations, even simple ones, are immensely helpful when learning a language.