Report: Poles hesitant to speak in English

Do Poles Bite Their Tongues? How We Speak English is a nationwide report examining how Poles use English in daily life, their confidence levels, and what helps or hinders them. Based on a 2025 survey of 1,100 adults, it explores self-assessed proficiency, emotions, and habits related to speaking English.

Findings show a clear gap between theoretical knowledge and practical use. While most respondents feel positive about the idea of speaking English, 59% experience stress or embarrassment, and nearly 70% had no recent opportunity to speak. Only 15% rate their speaking skills as good, and 74% feel school did not prepare them for real communication. Key barriers include lack of practice, limited vocabulary, and fear of mistakes.

Despite this, 69% believe English is essential for career development, and 28% of non-speakers feel excluded from culture or jobs without it. The report calls for practical, confidence-building approaches to help Poles speak more freely and naturally in everyday life.

(WBJ)