POLISH FOR ALL: AN INTERCULTURAL BRIDGE TO EUROPE

Abstract

The article, «Polish for All: An Intercultural Bridge to Europe» examines the multifaceted role of the Polish language beyond its traditional philological scope, positioning it as a pivotal tool for the personal and professional development of students in non-philological specializations. It delves into the significance of Polish as a unique «inter-linguistic bridge» that not only grants a competitive edge in a globalized job market and provides access to European education but also fosters a deeper understanding of one's own language and cultural identity. The text argues that for students of economics, IT, law, and other fields, basic proficiency in Polish is an invaluable asset. For example, it enables direct communication with Polish partners in the IT sector and provides access to original legal documents like the Kodeks spółek handlowych, which is crucial for international business.

Furthermore, the article explores the academic opportunities unlocked by Polish language skills, such as participation in prestigious exchange programs like Erasmus+ at institutions like the Jagiellonian University and Warsaw University of Technology. It highlights the ability to read specialized academic literature and research papers in their original form, ensuring access to unique information not yet translated. The article also touches upon the cognitive advantages of learning a language closely related to one's native tongue, which enhances analytical thinking, memory, and cognitive flexibility. This process also builds a foundation for successful intercultural communication and social integration. Ultimately, the article concludes that studying Polish is more than an academic pursuit; it is a strategic investment in a future defined by cross-cultural collaboration and global mobility. The language acts as a conduit for empathy, helping students to navigate and thrive in a multicultural environment by bridging historical and cultural divides.