Kelsey from the USA

In this episode, I sit down with Kelsey, one of my dedicated students, who has been learning Polish for several years. Kelsey shares her fascinating journey of connecting with her heritage, learning the language, and conducting PhD research on Poland's Tatar Muslim community.

We explore topics such as:

Her first exposure to the Polish language through her grandmother's stories
Childhood memories of Polish food and cultural traditions
Her early struggles with learning Polish and formal studies in California
Conducting field research in Poland on identity, ethnicity, and religion
Navigating language barriers and dialect differences
Experiences of living in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic
Cultural contrasts between Poland and the United States
The political complexities of Brexit and reflections on Donald Trump's presidency
Her academic career, ongoing language learning, and thoughts on future technology
Join us for this insightful and inspiring conversation filled with personal stories, cultural reflections, and a touch of humor about Polish grammar!

📌 Subscribe for more podcasts, language tips, and engaging discussions!

💬 Share your thoughts! What topics or lessons would you like to see in my Polish language course?

🎥 Shorts from this conversation are available on my channel – check them out!

Timestamps:

Introduction & Podcast Goals – (00:00)
Janusz introduces Kelsey, her journey with the Polish language, and her PhD research on the Tatar Muslim community in Poland.

First Exposure to Polish Language – (02:33)
Kelsey shares her earliest encounters with Polish, hearing her grandmother speak the language in Ohio.

Polish Food & Cultural Influence – (03:49)
Kelsey talks about childhood experiences with Polish cuisine and family memories involving Polish traditions and phrases.

Early Attempts to Learn Polish – (06:01)
Kelsey recalls her early efforts to learn Polish with phrasebooks and her later formal studies at a university in California.

Study Abroad & PhD Research (Part 1) – (12:04)
Kelsey discusses studying in London, traveling through Europe, and her early visits to Poland.

Language Challenges & Cultural Adaptation – (16:27)
Kelsey highlights her struggles with understanding Polish dialects and rural accents compared to academic Polish.

Study Abroad & PhD Research (Part 2) – (19:35)
Kelsey talks about her in-depth research on Poland's Tatar community, including interviews and cultural observations.

COVID-19 Experience in Poland – (33:00)
Kelsey recounts living through the pandemic lockdowns in Poland and her return to the UK under quarantine restrictions.

Insights into Polish vs. American Culture – (34:24)
Kelsey reflects on cultural differences, including Polish hospitality and family-oriented traditions compared to American individualism.

COVID-19 Quarantine Story – (36:25)
Kelsey humorously describes spending her quarantine in a garden shed after returning to the UK.

Discussion on Brexit – (51:31)
Janusz and Kelsey discuss the timeline of Brexit, motivations for leaving the EU, and the political complexity surrounding the referendum.

Career After PhD & Language Learning – (48:09)
Kelsey talks about her career as a university lecturer, her continued Polish language learning, and beginning to study Arabic.

Reflections on Donald Trump's Presidency – (53:55)
They discuss the impact of Trump's presidency, political polarization, and the symbolism of his election to some voters.

Technological Change & Philosophical Reflections – (1:01:57)
Janusz and Kelsey explore the effects of rapid technological advancements on society, ending with humor about Polish grammar and simulations.

Видео Kelsey from the USA канала Janusz Rudzki