From Lingua Franca to Linguistic Assimilation. Communicating as a Polish Academic in the UK

English, as the most widely spoken second language, varies significantly between international and native speakers. As a Polish expatriate, the author argues that communication in International English – a lingua franca among non-native speakers – is often more straightforward than interacting with native British speakers, where accent, indirectness and other politeness norms are crucial. In the UK, accents function as socioeconomic markers, influencing career progression and contributing to linguistic stigmatisation. Directness, often misinterpreted as rudeness, contrasts with English hedging and indirect politeness, highlighting the need for greater institutional awareness and intercultural competence. However, understanding these linguistic and cultural conventions can enhance migrants’ professional and social standing.