We are very excited at the Language Centre to be adding Polish to the portfolio of languages we offer and very grateful for colleagues in the Oxford Poland Hub for having included and supported the teaching of Polish language as part of their initiative.
Polish is the most widely spoken language of Central and Eastern Europe, Polish opens a gateway to the history, literature, and culture of a country at the heart of Europe. It is also the second most common spoken language after English in England and Wales according to the 2021 Census, making it a valuable means of connecting with communities locally as well as internationally.
For Oxford students and academics, learning Polish provides unique opportunities: from engaging with primary sources in history, politics, and linguistics, to deepening collaborations with Polish universities and research institutes, to enhancing travel, professional, and personal connections.
Whether you are interested in contemporary Central Europe, in heritage and identity, or whether you have personal connections with Poland or Polish friends, or simply if you are up for the rewarding challenge of learning a new language, Polish offers a rich and rewarding pathway.
We are delighted to welcome Aleksandra Fendryk to our team, or rather Ola, as she is keen to be addressed in a warm Polish style with the shortened form of her first name. We asked her a few questions about her experience and the wide range of learners she works with.
Can you tell us a little about your career in Polish language teaching?
I have been teaching Polish for almost 30 years. Initially I started in Poland, teaching English, but after moving to England 20 years ago I became a Polish as a foreign language teacher and Polish language teacher to our Polish children for the Polish Saturday School in Oxford (preparing our students to A level exams). 12 years ago, I was offered a position as Polish language tutor at Oxford University (Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages), I also work for Abingdon and Witney College where I deliver Polish classes to adult learners of different backgrounds interested in Poland, Polish culture and language.
What do you find most rewarding about teaching Polish?
I am most grateful to be working with people from all around the word. I not only teach them the language but share my love of Poland and its culture. I learn so much from my students and as I love my job, I enjoy the interaction and the learning process which never ends neither for me nor my students.
Considering your experience with different learners, what would you say are their motivations to learn Polish?
There are many different reasons why my students start Polish classes. The most common one is having a Polish partner/wife/husband/ grandchild in Poland.
Some of my students have Polish grandparents and they want to learn Polish to understand their heritage. Some are just interested in the language, some love Poland and have Polish friends.
How do you make sure classes are engaging and relevant to students’ real lives and goals?
I always talk to my students asking what their goals, interests and ambitions are when it comes to Polish. I use this to strive to create an inclusive learning environment. I listen to my students’ needs. Over the years I have learnt how to keep them motivated, even though Polish is one of the hardest languages to learn. I would say realistic expectations and honesty are the key.
What advice would you give to learners who think that Polish is a difficult language to learn?
I would say take small steps, appreciate your achievements, see the positives. Using the wrong endings or making word order errors is fine. Polish native speakers still get what they want even when they order “ice cream strawberries”.
If you could give one tip to someone thinking about joining our new Polish language courses, what would it be?
Have a go! Leave your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It still will be fun even if not always easy!
