english matters

Terrifying Tales

Terrifying Tales

Whenever anyone asks me to namecheck my favourite British author, it’s always a difficult question. Not because I don’t know the answer - that part is easy - but because I always feel the need to justify it. Iain Banks, Ian Rankin and Irvine Welsh all rank up there for me but it’s George Orwell who really stands out. The reason behind justifying it? Well, the aforementioned writers have all scribed much better books. And from Orwell’s short selection of novels and non-fictional works, not one of them rates in my top three.…Czytaj dalej …
That Christmas Feeling!

That Christmas Feeling!

The exact date changes every season but today was the first time this year I actually began to feel all Christmasy! Decorations are up around town, shops have sorted out their window displays and the Secret Santa game has been organised at work. Yep, on the way home, I got a tingle down my spine and a smile on my face.

The Secret Santa game is always a great laugh - everyone’s names are put into the hat and you choose one at random to buy a present for. Of course, you’re not meant…Czytaj dalej …
Time to Choose Chinese?

Time to Choose Chinese?

It’s always interesting when people decide to learn a new language. Moving to a new country, searching for work, looking to travel or even just setting yourself a new challenge are all valid reasons. Some people might just wish to continue something they were learning at school - my two were French and German, although it’s been so long I can barely put a sentence together. Of course, the benefits of picking English are obvious. Even if you never plan to set foot in a native-speaking country, it’s without doubt the most useful…Czytaj dalej …
A Stairway to Where?

A Stairway to Where?

Since its release, it’s been one of rock’s most talked about albums. Surrounded in a wall of mystique, Led Zeppelin IV (actually released untitled) has both baffled and intrigued critics and fans alike. After the poor reception of Led Zeppelin III (its acoustic / folk ballads left many wondering where the band was heading), this was something of a return to form. From the four symbols in the sleeve, which represented each member of the band, to guitarist Jimmy Page’s production, this was an album that was set to make a punch. Try…Czytaj dalej …
Remember, Remember….

Remember, Remember….

The fifth of November plays host to one of Britain’s most famous events - Bonfire Night. The night dates back to 1605, where a group of men plotted to blow up the House of Lords and assassinate King James I of England and VI of Scotland. However, the plot was foiled when Guy Fawkes (whose job it was to look after the explosives hidden under the building) was captured by authorities and sentenced to death. As an act of celebration, the good folk from the UK’s capital lit up huge fires around the…Czytaj dalej …
Scare Fest!

Scare Fest!

Everybody knows that Halloween is just around the corner. But anyone with their eye on the ball will be aware that the streets have been pretty scary for quite a few weeks... A new phenomenon has started up recently and there have been countless reports of people dressing up in clown costumes and jumping out on unsuspecting passersby. This is a perfect example of when English can get quite difficult. If one person is a ‘passerby’, then surely two or more people would be ‘passerbys’? Not according to a number of official dictionaries...…Czytaj dalej …
Perfect Time for the Perfect Tense

Perfect Time for the Perfect Tense

Of course, when it comes to learning any language, different people struggle with different things and what is easy for one person, will be simple for someone else. But there are always certain aspects of a language that will be hard for everyone. Any foreigner I have spoken to who has had the pleasure of learning Polish will tell you that getting your head around the large number of inflections is a nightmare! Similarly, many Poles will find a language containing articles a challenge, as they are not used in their mother tongue.…Czytaj dalej …

Now, anyone who knows me, or has indeed read this blog in the past, will tell you I’m not much of a dab hand in the kitchen. Imagine my family’s surprise then when I announced I was preparing them a traditional Polish-style meal last week whilst visiting them in Britain. To say they were shocked would be putting it mildly! On the menu was pierogi (oven baked, with a variety of fillings) and for starters my favourite Polish dish of all - Żurek. Of course in this day and age it’s easy enough…Czytaj dalej …
Karaoke Kings and Queens

Karaoke Kings and Queens

When I first moved over to Poland, I don’t remember karaoke being that big a deal. But over the years more and more bars seem to be opening up their floor to the public and letting them get up to do a turn on the microphone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge music fan and love a sing-song, but the idea of standing up in front of a room full of people to make a fool of myself does not appeal to me! Likewise, watching a random stranger murder one of my…Czytaj dalej …
A Lot of Laughs…

A Lot of Laughs…

A few days weeks ago I watched a fabulous documentary entitled ‘British Sitcom - 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves’. The title is pretty self explanatory and the film gave viewers the low down on some of the best programmes the UK has ever provided. As well as casting its eye over timeless classics such as ‘The Likely Lads’ (1964) and ‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975), it looked at a number of more modern ground-breaking shows such as ‘The Royle Family (1998) and ‘The Office’ (2001). But while the documentary took a cheery walk down…Czytaj dalej …
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