Hippocrene Beginner's Polish (Book & 2 Audio CDs) (Polish Edition) [Paperback]

Ewa Wanasz Bialasiewicz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2005

This popular introduction to Polish is now accompanied by two audio CDs. The text, ideal for both individual and classroom use, teaches the basics of Polish grammar and vocabulary in 10 easy-to-follow lessons. The audio CDs complement the dialogue and vocabulary sections of the lesson, aiding the reader in understanding the language as spoken. The lessons are developed around such topics with such titles as "Going Through Customs", "Checking into a Hotel", and "Extending and Accepting an Invitation". The book also includes an introduction to Poland and Polish culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 118 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (December 2005)
• Language: Polish
• ISBN-10: 0781811007
• ISBN-13: 978-0781811002
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,485,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #88 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Polish

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not easy, but one of the best..., August 25, 2008

By 

Neil R. Roberts (Ridley Park, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hippocrene Beginner's Polish (Book & 2 Audio CDs) (Polish Edition) (Paperback)

Beginners might be scared off when they hear the first track, since one is immediately tossed into the deep end of full dialogues (rather than mechanical banter). But the book is structured very well, each unit includes practical dialogues with supplemental vocabulary and pronunciation sections, and the CDs use great native speakers, so you can really hone your pronunciation and accent. There are few Polish resources, and even fewer good ones. While the Penton Overseas and Teach Yourself series have a solid pedigree, I think the aural aspects of this instructional make it the best. You'll initially struggle to make much headway, but it'll pay off with quality spoken understanding of the language.

1.0 out of 5 stars Not happy about this book, November 22, 2010

By 

Mags - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hippocrene Beginner's Polish (Polish Edition) (Kindle Edition)

I am not happy with this purchase...I was expecting a book for beginners..This book is definitely not for people who are just starting to learn Polish...The dialogs on the CD are too fast and too difficult for beginners. Book is OK for intermediate students and discouraging for beginners.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No English Translation on the CDs -, June 23, 2009

By 

Kristen N. Przasnyski (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hippocrene Beginner's Polish (Book & 2 Audio CDs) (Polish Edition) (Paperback)

I just got this today, and I am disappointed because I was hoping to listen to these CDs on my long commute to work, but unfortunately, the speakers on the CD only give the initial lesson title in English (ex: DAYS OF THE WEEK), and then they just go off in Polish.

I was hoping for cds that would say a word/phrase/sentence in English, and then go over it in Polish. This just does the Polish, so you HAVE to follow along in the book. Bummer.
Just because I would prefer to multi-task doesn't mean it's not a great book/cd set. I just started today and I do find it easier than just reading a book, but I did have to take 2 stars off due to what I think is a flagrant mistake on the part of the publisher.