Field of studies East European Studies: Languages and Discourses (studies in English) - Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie), UJ (Cracow) - European Studies - Study Bachelor's and Master's in English in Poland

1. How do you feel about learning a new language?

I love it – I’m fascinated by grammar, the sound of words and what a language reveals about the people who speak it. I learn when I have to, but without much enthusiasm. Languages don’t come easily to me, so I tend to avoid them.

2. You read about the same event in the media of two different countries. What do you notice?

I compare the choice of words, the emphasis and what’s been left out – I’m interested in how language shapes the way events are seen. That the reports differ, though I don’t dwell on why. I read one version – that’s enough for me.

3. You see a sign in another alphabet, such as Cyrillic. How do you react?

Try to read it or look up what it means – new alphabets draw me in. I’m curious, but I don’t try to work it out. Ignore it – it doesn’t matter to me.

4. How much do you know about the history and culture of Eastern European countries?

Quite a bit – I read about them, watch films and listen to music from the region, and I’d like to get to know it better. The basics from school. Not much, and it doesn’t really interest me.

5. Readings, discussions and presentations will be in English, in an international group that includes students from Eastern Europe. How does that sound?

Excellent – talking to people from the region I want to explore and hearing different points of view is what appeals to me most. I’ll cope, though academic texts in English could be demanding. I’d rather study in my own language.

6. You’re listening to a politician’s speech. What do you pay attention to?

The words and arguments they use, who they’re speaking to and what emotions they’re trying to stir up. Mainly whether I agree with them. I don’t usually listen to speeches.

7. A friend asks you to help translate a short text. What do you do?

Look beyond word-for-word equivalents and try to capture the meaning and tone of the original. Run it through an online translator and tidy it up a bit. Say I don’t feel up to it.

8. How do you get on with working on texts at school – writing essays, analysing set books and so on?

I enjoy it – I look for hidden meanings and like arguing for my own interpretation. I do what’s needed, but without much passion. I find it tiring.

9. Someone repeats a stereotype about people from one of the countries in the region. How do you react?

Wonder where it came from and calmly point out that reality is more complicated. Disagree, but keep quiet. I don’t pay attention to that sort of thing.

10. What motivates you most to study East European Studies: Languages and Discourses?

The chance to learn the languages and cultures of Eastern Europe and understand how words shape politics, the media and relationships between people. An interest in the region and in learning languages. I’m not sure it’s for me

East European Studies: Languages and Discourses

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