Język polonijny czy języki polonijne?

Abstract

The paper addresses aspects of the language of the Polish diaspora and of the standard language, as forms of language spoken by Poles living abroad. The standard language is/should be common for all Poles – used everywhere and by everyone in the same way. The Polish diaspora language, on the other hand, appears only in specific territories and is used for communication in specific groups of Poles. It differs depending on the country where they settled and on the language it comes into contact with, as well as on the diversity of the emigrants, and also depending on the Polish they brought from their home country (either them themselves or their parents). Although the terms “Polonia” [Polish diaspora] and “język polonijny” [Polish diaspora language] are commonly used, one should be aware that the latter are actually numerous.

Keywords

• Polish diaspora
• Polish diaspora language
• interferences
• code switching