Abstract (eng)
The Polish language has become a more and more popular Slavic language in both Western and
Eastern Europe. As of now, more than 150 study materials have been published since the 1960s,
which can be used for teaching Polish as a foreign language (PaF) in schools, universities or
adult education. The aim of this diploma thesis is to investigate how the Polish nation is
portrayed in PaF study materials. The theoretical part discusses the most important terms, i.e.
stereotypes, prejudices, clichés and national portrayals. Then, the ways national portrayals and
their emergence and development, as well as existing stereotypes and prejudices towards the
Polish nation are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of PaF-teaching in Poland, in the
German speaking countries and Eastern Europe is given, including a quick glance at popular
PaF teaching materials. The subsequent practical part displays existing national portrayals in
29 PaF teaching materials, which are analysed according to the following criteria: overall
conception, conveyed portrayals of the Polish nation, depictions of social roles and gender
stereotypes as well as diversity.