In memoriam
Obituary – Professor Waldemar Pfeiffer
We bid farewell to Professor Waldemar Pfeiffer.
It is with deep sadness that we received news of the death of Professor Waldemar Pfeiffer, an outstanding language teacher, German specialist, academic, organiser of scientific events and activity, and one of the most important figures in the history of the Polish Modern Language Association. The Professor passed away on 7 June 2026 at the age of 88.
Professor Waldemar Pfeiffer was scholar who, for decades, helped shape language teaching in Poland, set the direction for its development and mentored successive generations of researchers and foreign language teachers. His academic legacy leaves an indelible mark on the history of Polish humanities and educational sciences.
He was connected with the Polish Modern Language Association (PTN) for most of his professional life. The Professor served as the Society’s Secretary-General from 1973 to 1979, and subsequently served two terms as its President (1979–1986). From 1986 to 1993, he was also Secretary General of the IDV – the International Association of German Teachers. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was honoured with the title of Honorary President of the PTN and the Prof. Ludwik Zabrocki Medal. Thanks to his commitment, the Association consolidated its position as the most important Polish organization for researchers and teachers of modern languages.
Professor Waldemar Pfeiffer was a scholar who was able to combine research, teaching and organisational activity with a genuine concern for the development of the academic community. For many members of our Association he will be remembered, not only as an outstanding scholar, but also as a kind mentor, an inspiring conversationalist and a man who was exceptionally open to others. His knowledge, experience and commitment to the development of modern languages and language teaching will remain an important point of reference for us.
On behalf of the Board and the entire community of the Polish Modern Language Association, we extend our deepest condolences to the Professor’s family, loved ones, colleagues and students.
Professor, thank you for everything you contributed to modern languages in Poland and to our Association. We shall remember you with gratitude.
PTN Main Board
Obituary – Elwira Banasik
We were saddened to hear that she passed away in April 2023
dr Elwira Banasik
long-time activist and member of the PTN Management Board, co-founder of the PTN Silesian District and distinguished member of its Management Board, awarded the Medal of prof. Ludwik Zabrocki in 1989.
We express our deep sympathy and support to the family and loved ones
PTN Main Board
Obituary – Marceli Szafrański
We are saddened to hear that on August 22, 2022 died
dr Marceli Szafrański
retired Deputy Head of the Foreign Language Center at the Medical University of Białystok.
We say goodbye to a valued academic teacher and member of the Polish Society of Modern Languages.
Deepest condolences
Family and loved ones folds
PTN Main Board
Obituary – Halina Stasiak
It is with deep regret and sadness that we received the news of his death
Profesor Haliny Stasiak
Founder and Director of the Foreign Language Teacher Training College of the University of Gdańsk.
Professor Halina Stasiak was born on July 1, 1934 in Bydgoszcz. From 1956, after graduating in German philology at the University of Adama Mickiewicza in Poznań, worked as a German teacher in various types of schools and educational institutions. In the years 1969-1970, she headed the Foreign Languages Department at the Higher Teacher Training College in Gdańsk.
She has been associated with the University of Gdańsk since 1970. In her research and teaching work, she was involved in glottodidactics and the education of foreign language teachers, especially language acquisition, early foreign language teaching, learning third languages and national minority languages, and creating teaching programs. Since 1990, she has been the Director of the Foreign Language Teacher Training College of the University of Gdańsk.
She organized international scientific conferences, summer courses for German teachers, certified exams under the license of the Goethe Institute in Munich, prepared expert opinions on textbooks and teaching materials, and acted as a translator during meetings with Günter Grass at the University of Gdańsk. She is the author of scientific monographs, scientific articles and textbooks for learning German.
Awarded many awards (20 awards of the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, 1st degree, 3 awards of the Ministry of National Education), the Golden Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland, the Cross of Merit, 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
She was a member of the Polish Society of Modern Languages and many other scientific, advisory and publishing bodies.
The Management Board of PTN honors her memory
The funeral ceremonies will begin on April 15 (Friday) at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Łostowice Cemetery in Gdańsk.