The School of Polish Language and Culture commences summer program

 
In Aula Collegium Novum, the administration center of Jagiellonian University, the Swedish slavist Anders Bodegard gave a speech entitled, ?Translating Three Translators of the World: Czeslaw Milosz, Wislawa Szymborska, Ryszard Kapuscinski.?
Bodegard is famous for his excellent translations of Wislawa Szymborska?s poetry, which received a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1996. Foreigners from around the world were introduced to different meanings of translation that the speaker discovered in the Polish works. At the end of the lecture Bodegard said, ?Translating brings constant need of interpreting different cultures and as a result a new understanding of yourself.?
The summer school in Krakow welcomes foreigners since 1969. Most are from the U.S., but after Poland became a member of the EU more students come from Western Europe. The school was a joint initiative of Jagiellonian University and Americans with Polish roots, so called ?Polonia,? that were not afraid to come to their family?s country despite the Iron Curtain.
The school admits around 500 students every year, all coming from around 50 countries. ?There are students from Asia, Japan, China and Azerbaijan. There was one student from South Africa, and we hope to start cooperation with the country in the near future,? reveals Professor Wladyslaw Miodunka, head of the Center for Polish Language and Culture in the World. The School of Polish Language and Culture is run by the center. Students can choose between three, four and six week programs. Besides learning and mastering their language skills they can also participate in the wide choice of lectures concerning topics like Polish literature, Jewish culture, history, theater or music.
?But it is not enough. Students want to practice Polish culture, not only read or listen to it. That is why we propose the possibility of learning how to make ruskie pierogi, Christmas tree decorations or organize Polish weddings with all the possible traditional dances and plays,? says Dr. Piotr Horbatowski, head of the school.
?What makes our school different is that besides teaching language we have a strong academic background,? said Professor Wladyslaw Miodunka. ?This enables the school to introduce new teaching techniques and guarantees high quality lectors.?
The School of Polish Language and Culture begins a new intensive Polish language course in September so even latecomers may still learn Polish in Krakow.