When moving to another country, it is important to understand that each place has its own culture, language, and customs.
Today, we’ll touch on a topic you will encounter at the very beginning of your relocation — life in Poland and the culture of communication with Poles. You will experience this in your daily life, with friends, new acquaintances, in business, and at work. In Poland, it is quite comfortable because the mentality and cultural values are close to ours, but there are nuances we will discuss below.
Communication Culture with Poles
Learn Polish
In Poland, people speak Polish. Try to learn it. Many think that speaking Ukrainian, Russian, or English is enough for communication, but agree, it is pleasant for people to speak their native language when they are in their own country.
Always Say Thank You
The culture of communication with Poles includes expressing gratitude. In Poland, it is common to say “thank you” or “dziękuję,” “dziękuję bardzo.” If someone helps or gives you advice — don’t forget to thank them. When entering or exiting an elevator, you may hear “dziękuję,” and when entering a sauna, you’ll hear “cześć wszystkim” (hello everyone). Gratitude is expressed not only in words. If someone gives way to you, turn on the hazard lights and thank them. “Dziękuję” can also be heard as a polite refusal to an offer. Want chips? – No, thank you!
Do not Use Polish Names in Company When Speaking Russian
When speaking in your native language, remember to occasionally switch to Polish when speaking to a Pole. It’s a sign of respect. If you don’t know Polish, avoid using their name in conversation. The person may get the impression that they are being talked about. Imagine being in a group of Turks, Georgians, where everyone is speaking their language, and suddenly your name is mentioned, and you have no idea what is being discussed.
Lifehack: Speak English if you don’t know Polish. Locals learn it from childhood and understand it well.
Social Distance
Respect personal space in communication. The Japanese say their “nihao” from a distance, while Spaniards and Italians kiss on the cheek. For Polish residents, it’s something in between. They don’t rush to let people into their “friend zone” and greet with a handshake, so don’t rush to hug at your first meetings.
Speak Clearly, Not Beautifully
Don’t rush to speak beautifully; try to express yourself clearly with simple, understandable words. If you need to convey your thoughts and you don’t speak Polish well, just slow down your speech and pay attention to the person’s reaction. Poles can express their emotions, and if they don’t understand something, they will show it. Don’t be shy to ask them to speak slower.
The Workweek in the Republic of Poland
When talking about life in Poland, it’s worth touching on the workweek.
The closer it gets to Friday, the harder it is to get a Pole to attend a business meeting or any gathering. There are proverbs that explain why — “Środa minie tydzień zginie” (literally — Wednesday will pass and the week will end). “Piatek weekendu początek” (Friday is the start of the weekend). Poles are religious, especially the older generation. They reserve Sunday for family, so it’s better not to plan anything for those days. The active working hours in Poland are from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Build Contacts, Don’t Sell
The culture of communication with Poles is about building relationships first, not selling directly. In Poland, things happen slowly compared to Ukraine and Russia. Deals are rarely made at the first meeting. Everyone wants to look, check, try, get acquainted, even if the offer is super beneficial. A normal practice here is to go for coffee or beer and discuss business in an informal setting, whether you’re a man or a woman.
Other Language Tips
Here are a few more ways to start a conversation with locals:
- Holidays: There are many national and religious holidays. It’s a way to connect and learn about traditions, customs, and holidays.
- Sports: Locals love football. It’s a great way to discuss sports news.
- Family: As mentioned earlier, Poland is a family-oriented nation. If you have a family and children, there’s always something to discuss.
There are other language nuances, but we won’t cover them in this article. You can read more about life in Poland in our other materials.
We wish you great and effective communication with Poles, a positive move to Poland, and a successful start and development of your business here.
