The spelling and pronunciation of many words in the Russian language often relies on a tradition formed in past centuries. Because of this, several terms can exist at once to refer to one concept, for example, putty and putty. Among such controversial points is the correct name of the nationality of a resident of Poland. So, what is the correct way to say: Polish or Polish? Let's look into this matter.
The meaning of the words "Polka" and "Polka"
Before you know how to correctly call a resident of Poland: Pole or Polka, it is worth understanding the meaning and origin of these words.
Both of the terms in question are used to refer to women or natives of Poland, as well as to those who live in another country, but belong to this nationality.
These words in question are absolute synonyms with each other. At the same time, “Polishka” is considered an outdated name that has long gone out of active use. While the "polka" is activeused not only in Russian and Polish, but also in most other languages.
Etymology of the word "Polka"
Before considering how to spell "Polka" or "Polka" correctly, it is worth learning about the meaning and origin of these terms.
So, the feminine noun "polka" (in Polish - polka) was formed from the word "Pole" (polak), which refers to a resident or native of Poland. The state itself received such a name because of its flat terrain (from the term "field" - pole). There is also a version that the country got its name not because of the peculiarities of the landscape (after all, there are a lot of forests in Poland), but because of the Polan tribe that lived in this territory.
Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, German, English, French and most other world languages borrowed the word "Polka" from their native Polish, and almost unchanged.
Interestingly, this noun even retained its original stress on the first syllable. While the pronunciation of the word "Pole" was adapted to the Russian language. The stress was shifted from the first syllable to the second.
Origin of the term "Polish"
Like the term "Polka", "Polka" was also formed from the word "Pole" and "Poland", but much later. The exact time of the appearance of this name in Russian is not known. At the same time, the studied noun, from the point of view of grammar, fits perfectly into the formula for the formation of the feminine from the masculine in terms of nationality. For example, as a Tajik -Tajik, Uzbek - Uzbek, Slovak - Slovak.
From this we can conclude that the word "Polka" appeared as a Russian analogue to the noun "Polka", and spread mainly due to fiction.
Thus, in the works of such classics as Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin and Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol, this word is used almost everywhere. And with their light hand, other writers in later times began to use this term instead of "polka".
By the way, it was from the Russian language that “Polishka” “migrated” to Ukrainian (“Polishka”) and Belarusian (“palyachka”). Indeed, before that, the term “Lyashka” or “Catholic” was more often used in Ukrainian, which for the Orthodox inhabitants of Ukraine (during the time of the Cossack region) was practically a synonym.
Features of the meaning of the noun "Polish"
Although the two words in question are synonyms, there is a difference between them. So, the term "Polish" is negative, with a touch of disdain. Moreover, Polish women and girls themselves perceive with resentment when they are called him. Just like the Ukrainians, when they are called "Khokhls" and "Banders", and the Russians - when they are called "Katsaps" and "Muscovites".
The root of this dislike for the word "Polish" is not exactly known. Perhaps this is due to the partition of Poland in 1795, in which the Russian Empire took a very active part. Indeed, since then, for more than a century, many Polish lands belonged to Russians, who actively planted their culture andlanguage.
In any case, if, while visiting the Poles, calling a woman a Pole, it will be considered bad manners and will be perceived with hostility.
Is there a word "Polish" in Polish?
Considering the question: "Speak and write correctly: Polish or Polish?", It is worth paying attention to whether there is a word offensive to the inhabitants of Poland in their language.
It turns out that this term, so successfully established in Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian languages, is absent in Polish.
At the same time, sometimes the word “Polish woman” is tried to be used as an analogue to the term “Polish woman” (polaczek), which is also not particularly loved by representatives of this nation. However, the nouns "Polish" and "Polish" have different shades of meaning. So, the first is an outdated book name that was used in official documents in the past. But "Polish" or "Polish" are nouns with a clear connotation of disdain. They have never been used in official speech or writing.
"Polish" or "Polka": how to speak and write correctly
Both of the considered terms have the same meaning. However, which one should you choose: Polish or Polish?
Despite much controversy, the only appropriate word spoken about a woman from Poland is the noun "Polka".
The term "Polish" is considered not only rude, but also outdated. Moreover, from the first half of the 20th century, which was recorded in the dictionaries of that time.
However, when writing fiction that describesthe times of Pushkin or the period when the noun "Polish" was actively used in speech, the use of this word is acceptable.
From all this we can conclude that when choosing between the options "Polka" or "Polka", you should always give preference to the first, if it is not a historical artwork.
Why do people often say "Polish" instead of "Polka"
Having studied the question: “Speaking and writing correctly: Polish or Polish?”, It is worth paying attention to why the word “Polish” is still used in the speech of many people. After all, it is not only outdated, but can also create problems in relations with women of this nationality.
It turns out that the word "Polka" refers not only to a resident of Poland, but also to the famous Czech fast dance. For this reason, in order not to be misunderstood in a conversation, many (regardless of whether it is correct: Polish or Polish) use the second word.
By the way, because of this coincidence, some consider the polka to be a Polish dance. In fact, its name was formed from the Czech word půlka (half step) and only due to a misunderstanding turned out to be consonant with the term polka.
It is interesting that with a similar name there is also a Swedish dance polska ("Polish"), which also has nothing to do with nationality.
Having considered the question: “Speaking and writing correctly: Polish or Polish?”, We can conclude that the presence of this problem indicates the richness of the Russian language, as well as the desire of its speakers at all times to look for their ownnames for foreign words.
