In November, SWPS University once again joined Noc Anglistów (The Night of English Studies Experts), a nationwide initiative featuring a variety of lectures, workshops, and presentations organized by English studies scholars from across Poland. The event has been designed to showcase the academic scope of the field and to dispel the common myth that English studies are limited to language instruction.
Exploring the English language and culture
The fifth edition of Noc Anglistów once again provided an opportunity for language enthusiasts of all ages to explore the linguistic and cultural richness of the English language. SWPS University, which has been actively involved in the initiative over the past few years, contributed to a program that featured a wide range of topics and perspectives. This year’s events were held both on-site and online, ensuring broad access for all participants.
On-site events at SWPS University
The Omnilinguae Linguistics Research Group, led by Agnieszka Chada, Ph.D., hosted a workshop titled “False Friends between English and Other Languages: A Multilingual Perspective and Semantic Change.” The session presented the group’s observations on scholarly research regarding "false friends." Members of the student club shared insights using examples from English-Norwegian, English-Ukrainian, and English-Spanish pairs. Attendees also had the opportunity to test their knowledge of true and false cognates through interactive activities prepared by the group.
Online lectures
The faculty and students form the Department of English Studies at SWPS Universi prepared the following online presentations:
- OSKA (English Studies Student Organization) delivered a video presentation titled “The Sound of Storytelling: How Music Shapes Movies and Series.” The talk focused on how deliberate musical choices enhance emotional impact, narrative depth, and overall production quality of films and TV series. Drawing on examples from both American and British studios, the analysis examined how soundtracks, theme songs, and the work of specific composers shape audience perception and enrich storytelling in popular films and shows. Watch the video below.
- In her talk, “High-Context, Low-Context… High-Drama: Cultural Styles Hidden in Everyday English,” Dr. Paulina Grzęda demonstrated how people from various cultures use language in radically different ways, even when their grammar is perfectly correct.The mini-lecture illustrated the global use of English through a series of surprising and practical examples. Watch video
- Dr. Gavin Herbertson presented on the topic of “Creolization: From Language to Culture” by introducing the concept of creolization and explaining its origins and meaning in linguistics as well as exploring how the term has been reinterpreted and expanded within cultural studies and literature. He also discussed how creolization has become a metaphor for cultural mixing, identity formation, and creativity in global contexts. Watch video
- Dr. Emma Oki delivered a lecture entitled “Laughing Together, Laughing Apart: How Ethnic Jokes Connect and Divide", in which she explored how creators use ethnic humor to challenge prejudice, reclaim identity, and promote understanding and inclusion. She also discussed contemporary comedians who use humor to engage thoughtfully with questions of identity, diversity, and social commentary.
- Julia Detkowska, M.A., discussed the topic of “False Friends in English: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach”, focusing on the lingua franca role that English plays in various linguistic and cultural contexts. The talk used real-life examples to illustrate "false friends" that learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) may encounter, particularly those whose native languages are German or Arabic. It also explored why understanding this phenomenon is essential for future language specialists working in teaching, translation, and cross-cultural communication.
Choose English Studies at SWPS University and expand your horizons!
Program
English Studies
full-time, part-time
Warsaw
Bachelor’s degree
Review
Program
English Studies with Additional Language
Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish
full-time
Warsaw
Bachelor’s degree
Review
Program
English Studies
full-time, part-time