Polish people? What's in a name?

PolarSkye

PolarSkye

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As we know so little about Kali (his passport is ridiculously short on information), I'm gasping to glean what I can on my own. A Polish groom at our first yard told me his name appeared in a popular Polish children's book about two kids lost in Africa . . . I think I've finally identified the book: Sienkiewicz's 'In Desert and Wilderness' and wonder if by any chance anyone on here either has or has read the book and can tell me a little more about Kali's character in the book?

I understand that the character is a native, African boy, and as Kal was probably born black (he's grey now but was MUCH darker just three years ago - his passport identified three white socks and a distinct blaze - none of which are apparent now) that sort of makes sense . . . but I've heard the character (Kali) referred to as a "savage" . . . hmmmmm, not sure about that one.

Thanks in advance.

P
 
Never read it but Wikipedia gives the following description...

Kali - African boy, Staś's servant who quickly becomes his friend. He faithfully serves his master and helps him to get going through the dangers of Africa.
 
Ah - so sounds like Kali is loyal and resourceful! Thanks team barney.

Knowing about the book, and how popular it was in Poland, I become more and more convinced that Kal was homebred. I just wish I knew more about him . . . apparently the only other thing we can be sure of is that his dam's name began with a k.

Thanks again.

P
 
I lifted this from Polish wikipedia (speaking only a related language, so this is what I managed):

Kali was a little black boy from the tribe Wa-hima, who was freed from some "mohammedans" (muslims) by Stanislaw Tarkowski. Stanislaw taught Kali the European way of thinking, which resulted in many funny or anecdotic situations, as Kali was very superstitious and believed that all bad happened because of a bad spirit. Kali spoke in infinitive form of verb and had his own way of morality.
 
sabCZa - many thanks for this . . . it's odd (and perhaps this is just me projecting) but my boy does sound quite alot like his fictional namesake! Also, his first (and only) registered owner in his passport is called Stanislaw . . . I'm guessing that's a pretty common Polish name though?

P
 
The book is popular, and has been a compulsory read in schools for yonks. I'm afraid it is well over 20 years since I read it, though :o
Anyway, Kali (sorry to piss on your parade) is a general term/name used for an uneducated native type ;) speaking broken language and being a bit unadjusted. It did evolve from Sienkiewicz's character, though, that's true :)
 
PolarSkye said:
sabCZa - many thanks for this . . . it's odd (and perhaps this is just me projecting) but my boy does sound quite alot like his fictional namesake! Also, his first (and only) registered owner in his passport is called Stanislaw . . . I'm guessing that's a pretty common Polish name though?

P
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Any idea from where in Poland he came?
And yes, Stanislaw is a VERY popular name in certain generations.
 
martlin said:
The book is popular, and has been a compulsory read in schools for yonks. I'm afraid it is well over 20 years since I read it, though :o
Anyway, Kali (sorry to piss on your parade) is a general term/name used for an uneducated native type ;) speaking broken language and being a bit unadjusted. It did evolve from Sienkiewicz's character, though, that's true :)
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Now THAT describes my boy! He came to us very green, likes to pull his "me no speaky Engleeesh" routine when you ask him to do something he's done fifty times before, and can lose the plot (although he's much calmer now). So it's a derogatory term for a bit of an oik? Figures ;).

P
 
martlin said:
Any idea from where in Poland he came?
And yes, Stanislaw is a VERY popular name in certain generations.
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Stanislaw Walcak (sp?) his Polish owner on his passport has an address just outside Obornicki (Bogdanowo) (so roughly central Poland) . . . does that help?

P
 
PolarSkye said:
Now THAT describes my boy! He came to us very green, likes to pull his "me no speaky Engleeesh" routine when you ask him to do something he's done fifty times before, and can lose the plot (although he's much calmer now). So it's a derogatory term for a bit of an oik? Figures ;).

P
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You will be relieved to hear it is rather endearing than derogatory term, but yes, pretty much ;)
 
My boyfriend is Polish and this is what he say's.....

Two children who's parents are explorers get lost in the jungle in Africa. Kali looks after the children and teaches them the way of the bush. He has forgotten the rest but is now going to ring his brother!!

There is a film on Youtube but it's in Polish so not much help to me!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6lgCL4MjEk&feature=related

Will let you know the rest when I find out!
 
martlin said:
Would that be Walczak? in Oborniki? :D Don't know him personally, but he is a breeder of sports horse type.
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Yeah - that's the guy! WOW! I've always believed Kal was an "accident" (he has no brand) but perhaps he was "meant to be" . . . if that makes sense. If he is an accident, he's quite a nice accident (if I do say so myself). If he's still breeding, perhaps I can get in touch with Walczak and find out more about my boy?

P
 
martlin said:
You will be relieved to hear it is rather endearing than derogatory term, but yes, pretty much ;)
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Awwwwwwww . . . well it is the reaction most people have when they meet/get to know him . . . they affectionately refer to him as something of a muppet (which he is). He definitely has personality in spades and is obviously bright but is also a bit "special" if that makes sense. Nice to know his name fits . . . thank you martlin.

P
 
PolarSkye said:
Yeah - that's the guy! WOW! I've always believed Kal was an "accident" (he has no brand) but perhaps he was "meant to be" . . . if that makes sense. If he is an accident, he's quite a nice accident (if I do say so myself). If he's still breeding, perhaps I can get in touch with Walczak and find out more about my boy?

P
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Private, small time breeders rarely have their horses branded, it's just either the big studs or the breeders at the top of competition horse breeding, or the really, really vain ones ;)
I'm not sure if he is still in the game, but could try and find out for you... One thing is certain, I wouldn't bother contacting him in English :D
 
martlin said:
Private, small time breeders rarely have their horses branded, it's just either the big studs or the breeders at the top of competition horse breeding, or the really, really vain ones ;)
I'm not sure if he is still in the game, but could try and find out for you... One thing is certain, I wouldn't bother contacting him in English :D
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martlin - that would be fab! I'd love to know if he's still producing sport horses. If nothing else, it would just be lovely to be able to send him some pics of Kal now just so he could see how he is getting on . . . and, yes, I figured that contacting him in English was probably pointless - Obornicki is hardly a metropolis!

P
 
PolarSkye said:
martlin - that would be fab! I'd love to know if he's still producing sport horses. If nothing else, it would just be lovely to be able to send him some pics of Kal now just so he could see how he is getting on . . . and, yes, I figured that contacting him in English was probably pointless - Obornicki is hardly a metropolis!

P
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Right, he is certainly standing at least 1 stallion at the moment, I have his address and phone number if you want it?
 
martlin said:
Right, he is certainly standing at least 1 stallion at the moment, I have his address and phone number if you want it?
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Oh yes please! Any info on the stallion or would I need to ask him? If I crafted a (short) letter, could you translate it for me (for a fee)?

You have no idea how chuffed I am about this . . . it's always upset me that we knew next to nothing about Kal (not even when he was born as that's not in his passport) and any gaps I can fill in about my lovely boy are a bonus.

Yes, I'm a bit sad . . .

P
 
PolarSkye said:
For anyone interested, this is the reprobate in question:

https://picasaweb.google.com/NaomiH...&authkey=Gv1sRgCMGNmMjSo4-JVA&feat=directlink

And before anyone says anything yes, I know he's too fat in the more recent pics, he has just come off four weeks' box rest and we are getting the weight off him slowly.

P
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Pretty boy, he looks a sweetie, and he isn't that fat, he'll soon slim down once back in work :)

Please don't take this wrong, but be careful leaving a knotted rope halter on whilst grazing, they can tangle themselves up in them far easier than a conventional headcollar.
 
team barney said:
Pretty boy, he looks a sweetie, and he isn't that fat, he'll soon slim down once back in work :)

Please don't take this wrong, but be careful leaving a knotted rope halter on whilst grazing, they can tangle themselves up in them far easier than a conventional headcollar.
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tb - yes, I know - he was in a confined space and I was with him . . . I wouldn't have turned him out in a big open space and left him with a knotted rope halter (or any sort of halter) on . . . and, no, I didn't take it wrong at all!

Thanks - he is a sweetie . . . very affectionate and a tad goofy . . . we love him alot.

P
 
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