When conducting research in a foreign country, it is important to consider several factors beforehand - language being one of them. While it may be tempting to assume that English will suffice during a visit, research in a closed community requires a deeper understanding of the local language and culture.

In urban cities such as Kraków, where nearly 20% of the population consists of foreigners (cf. https://owim.uek.krakow.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RAPORT-OWIM-2023.pdf, p. 11), one can visit international churches or churches with English-speaking sub-communities. The language, one of many factors, used to approach a field can impact how that field defines the researcher as an individual and their relationships with one another as the way they will interact with each other.

The church communities being researched are the result of international and primarily English-speaking missionary efforts. The offered services in English are led by either a native speaker or a Polish person who speaks English. However, speaking Polish is an advantage in these churches. A researcher can learn a language or be a native speaker.

In my case, I am somewhere in between. During conversations with members of the church community, I often engage in small talk before or after the service. Sometimes I struggle with the specific vocabulary of Polish 'christanese' or other colloquial words and sayings. Once I reveal that I am from Germany, the conversation often shifts to my language skills. Typically, the conversation begins with inquiries about my background, specifically my country of origin due to my accent. Some individuals assume that I am of Polish descent, which leads to further discussion about my cultural background.

Regarding the question of language in my research, I was accepted as 'one of them' but not as an 'insider'. Using the language of the country being researched can provide comfort to those being spoken to, but it can also hinder fluent discussion and expression of ideas.

The language level used by the researcher not only conveys their identity but also affects their position and relationships with others in the field. These relationships can change if the language changes, such as if everyone starts speaking English as a second language and translating themselves into a different alphabet.

Author: Caroline Sosna