The English and the Poles : two different cultures, two different approaches to the use of diminutives

Abstract

The author of this paper aims at contrasting Polish and English culture, paying special attention to the use of diminutives, both by the Poles and the English. The paper discusses issues concerning the interrelationship between language and culture, the individualistic culture of Englishmen, as well as the collectivistic culture of Poles. The theoretical part of this paper is supported by some research conducted among the native speakers of Polish and English.