Rules for Pronunciation of the Polish Words in the Text

The letters b, d, f, h, k, m, n, p, r, s, t, z, are pronounced as in English, except when modified, as several of them are, by particular dots or accents, necessary for the expressing of Slavonic sounds in Roman letters.

C is invariably pronounced soft, like tz, before all vowels and before consonants, even in cases where it is hard in other languages; as Soplica, pronounced Soplitza. Before the vowel i it has a palatal sound, not unlike c in Italian.

G is invariably hard, as in gill, get.

J has the same sound as in Italian or German.

K is used for the hard c of other languages, and in foreign words is substituted for it, as Catholic, written in Polish Katolik.

The letter l has two forms, one corresponding to our own; the other with a delicate stroke down has a peculiar sound, slightly resembling our w, scarcely ever mastered by foreigners. In the present work it has been judged best, owing to the impossibility of procuring suitable type, to use the simple i throughout.

N accented is pronounced like the Spanish ñ in cañon.

W like v.

Z as in English; when dotted ż, pronounced like j in French; with an accent ź the sound is sharper.

Sz has the sound of sh in English.

Cz is pronounced like ch in church.

Rz has the sound resembling that of the dotted ż or French j; thus the proper name of Dobrzynski is pronounced as if written Dobrjiñskee.

Szcz is pronounced with both sounds of sz and cz thoroughly distinct, so that the combination resembles shtch.

The vowels a, e, i, o, u, are pronounced as in all Continental languages, very broad and full. A and e are, however, susceptible of modifications, causing them to sound like en and in in French. Particular forms of the letters are used for these sounds in Polish; but in this translation the nasals are expressed by m or n, as Rembajlo, Czenstochowa⁠—a form of spelling warranted by Polish usage.

N.b.⁠—Consonants are pronounced far more lightly than in English.