Professor Jerzy Bralczyk, a distinguished linguist, has recently found himself at the center of controversy following remarks in an interview where he asserted that dogs “zdychają” (die – ed.) rather than “umierają” (in Polish more sophisticated term such as “pass away” – ed.). His comments sparked a heated debate, with modern liberals particularly taking issue, reflecting the ever-evolving sensitivities surrounding language use today.
Bralczyk has been the target of considerable backlash, labeled derogatorily as “dziaders” by some, which highlights the strong emotional reactions people have towards language and its implications. Amid the linguistics storm, Bralczyk noted his surprise at the public’s intense focus on linguistic issues, attributing it to a slow news period. However, he appreciates the interest in linguistic matters, even if it comes with harsh criticism.
Reaffirming his views, Professor Bralczyk insists on using the term “zdychać” for animals, emphasizing a generational difference in perception and the importance of maintaining certain linguistic distinctions. He argues against anthropomorphizing animals, challenging the use of terms like “pass away” for animals, and opposes the concept of “adopting” pets, insisting that adoption should remain a human-specific process.
Adding to the complexity, Bralczyk also criticizes the rise of gender-neutral and feminine forms of nouns in Polish, such as “chirurżka” (female surgeon), which he views as unnecessary and ideologically driven. He suggests that only a small minority genuinely prefers these terms, and questions the push for administrative influence over natural language evolution.
A significant aspect of Bralczyk’s argument is his concern over the societal trend of substituting pets for children, which he believes poses a threat to societal structures due to declining birth rates. This, he argues, could lead to family units increasingly consisting of couples with a pet, rather than children.