This post is part of the “mind your language” series in celebration of International Mother Language Day on February 21. I have always been fascinated with words. At school, my favorite subject was English. When I went off to college, journalism was a reasonable choice because it connected my affinities for language and social impact. …
My colleague wanted to buy a box of chocolates from a Polish store but couldn’t get the vendor’s attention. If her voice was too soft or her approach not good enough for the vendor to recognise, I don’t remember anymore. But when I said “Dzien dobry!” coupled with my biggest smile, the vendor quipped “Dzien dobry!” back in her most friendly tone and welcoming smile. Our business in the store was done in a matter of minutes. I closed the conversation with “Dziekuje”.
