Polish people obviously speak Polish language. It could be the main identity. If you know Polish language, you would definitely identify Polish people. It's about speaking the language and how they normally speak it that makes it different from those who merely know how to speak Polish.

Another thing that makes Polish people different from other European nations is their cultures and traditions. Polish people have tried to preserve their tradition even during the Soviet communism that gripped them for centuries. Polish people had continued to uphold their heritage and their folklore. They were known for their Polish paper cutting culture, the usual songs they sing and dance steps in their traditional dance.

After the communism, Polish people had enhanced their cultural heritage by establishing cultural organizations. There were cultural choirs, dances and any form of arts that preserved and established the identity of Polish people. There are also heritage that tells their story about their history with their literatures. Since Polish people are predominantly Roman Catholics, there is also influence in Roman Catholic ruling that influence their way of life such as marriage ceremonies, baptism, festivities and the like. You would also notice Polish world heritage through their wooden churches were Polish people carefully preserved.

Aside from the language and traditions, Polish people also have typical characteristics that make them Polish. One typical characteristic is their being hospitable. Polish people are generally always putting their best foot forwards when treating visitors from other places. One could notice how Polish people are self-conscious about how other people think they are. It becomes a joke to Polish people about how they ask visitors what they think of Polish people or what they think of Poland. They easily ask these questions without thinking what they look like. For some, it becomes a common characteristic for Polish people that they ask visitors what they think of their place and so on.

Polish people can also be seen as helpful and reliable. People can count on them when they need help. They think that they are all dealing with Polish neighbors. Another characteristic of Polish people that makes them distinct is their being family-oriented. Unlike in other European countries where divorce or valuing family are deteriorating, Polish people still see the importance of family. Perhaps being influenced by Catholicism, Polish people discourage divorce. In fact, there is only small percentage of divorce cases compared to other neighboring countries in Poland. Among families in Poland, there are many who have extended families. As such, Polish people usually have close family ties.

With these three aspects: language, traditions, and general characteristics, you would notice Polish people wherever they are. Of course these are only typical. Not all Polish people may have the same values or characteristics or traditions or language that makes them distinct from others. But with this start up description, you would understand that Polish people are generally people that you may feel comfortable with.