August 2017 – Bilingual Life

Poles abroad: Polonia or emigration?

August 30, 2017September 21, 2017 Agnieszka Pędrak

According to the PWN dictionary of Polish language, the term Polonia refers to ‘Poles living permanently abroad’, while emigration is defined as 'departure from their home country to another country to settle there’, ‘continuous or periodic residence in another country’ or ‘generally, commonality of immigrants living in a given country’. It should be noted, however,… Continue reading Poles abroad: Polonia or emigration?

ALL, Emigration

Reasons for emigration, permanent settlement or return

August 29, 2017September 21, 2017 Agnieszka Pędrak

Polish emigration to the United Kingdom during the Second World War and after it had a political dimension, while the wave after Poland's accession to the EU – was by economic. As shown by the latest survey, the current Polish emigration to the UK and Ireland consist mainly of young and educated people – mostly… Continue reading Reasons for emigration, permanent settlement or return

Agnieszka Pędrak

My name is Agnieszka (short form: Aga), I come from Poland and since 2015, I live in Ireland with my wonderful bilingual daughter, Alice. I have been studying in Poland and Germany for my MA degree in Polish studies (with major in linguistics) and a BA in English studies (with major in translation and interpreting). Currently, I’m studying for my PhD in Applied Linguistics at Trinity College Dublin, where I am researching bilingualism of children of Polish background that live in Ireland. Over the last few years, I have been working as a Polish language teacher in Polish supplementary schools in Ireland and also as a lecturer at a Polish university in Dublin. Im a part of the Mother Tongues organization in Ireland (www.mothertongues.ie), that aims to promote bilingualism and linguistic diversity. I love the city of Warsaw in Poland, linguistics and I find a language a key to every human’s heart and reason. In my articles, publications, lessons and workshops (as well as on my blog www.bilingualmind.com), I always try to spread solid knowledge on and a positive attitude towards bilingualism and heritage language education among parents, children, teachers and anybody who has an interest or needs information in this area.

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