Czech Brno Blog (with bits of Slovakia)

Readers, blog is moving!

To know where, send me an email.

I have a lot to say on this topic, because I have spent 2 years not studying, but looking for the way I should do it.

The grammar is a big turn off, and most people give up after realising they need to learn tables of 12×12 variations (declensions) for nouns alone. It is necessary to find a way around that because we’re not robots, are we? At least I am not…

Also be aware that verbs exist in 2 forms. So the number of verbs to leanr is doubled. And vowels can be long or short. And that changes EVERYTHING if you don’t learn it right.

Lots of people wake up one day and decide: “Ok I’m leanring Czech!! I don’t know why, but I’ll leanr it. It sounds os cool to learn a language nobody cares about!!!”

I know, because it was me 2 years ago You need to have a valid reason and motivation to learn these languages, because they are not fun at all. The best is to live in the country. I picked up os much form just listening to people and reading advertisement!

So my advice for beginners of Czech or Slovak language: Get a book with exercises. The grammar is very systematic and repeating helps assimilating the concepts. Get a native to coach your prononciation. Don’t be naive, you will not be able to practice with just anybody that comes near you in a pub or in the street. First, they have better things to do, and second, they will probably not understand anything you say. You will end up very frustrated.

How to pratice? Once you’re good with the grammar, you need vocabulary. Don’t be too rushy with the speaking part, because it’s the toughest bit. I practice with music, reading lyrics for example. It helped my English and works for my Czech and Slovak. Read the “stupid” newspapers. You know, the gossip things? They use casual words and it’s more fun to read than economics or politics. And you can use some expressions with friends. They will sure be amused. Last time, I was reading an article about Paris Hilton, and I was then able to ask my friends “Show me your naked butt”. OK, not the best example :-p

In a nutshell:

• Grammar is terribly hard. Find ways to mix theory and practice. It has to be entertaining.
• Get a book that suits you with lots of exercises.
• Be in touch with the country and native speakers.
• Find reading material suitable for your level.
• Get a dictionary (of course).
• Patience. It takes years to be fluent.

The Czech andSslovak greeting ahoj comes from the sailor’s interjection ahoy in English.

What is this?

On friday, after work we left to Prague for a great event, T-Mobile’s Electronic Beats. There was playing my favourite band, and others I like too. So I booked a hotel just across the street from the venue and very close to the train station too. Logistics were just perfect, I’m very proud of myself. My band played first, not so many people had arrived, so I could feel like they were playing just for me :-p

The hotel was just great, and the breakfast. OMG, the breakfast! So many kinds of eggs and cakes, and cereals. I don’t regret having left a bit earlier the party to wake up on time. I slept quite well too, the bed was super comfy. We stayed at the 7th floor, the view was ok. Not the best area in Prague but it was so convenient! At this time of the year hotels are affordable, so no need for the cheap and dirty solution. I have my standards you know

The fair and exhibition centre was nearby. Here is form the hotel and from the street.

On saturday we went shopping at PALLADIUM, my favourite shopping mall in Prague. It’s so big, and I have seen it in different stages of the construction at each of my visits.They kinda used an old building and merged it with a brand new steal and glass structure. I like it very much. OK it’s still the hell of consumerism that I am against blablabla but shopping was not for me anyway. He bought me an ice cream so I would stop complaining, and be patient enough until we find THE shoes. There are 5 floors, so I made this cool vertical panorama for you, dear readers (readers who don’t comment much these days, where are you all!!!!).

Last week took place the Brno tram party. It’s simple: they rented trams to drive around town while we’re havin a party inside with music and alcohol. It’s was wonderful. The cheap vodka shots helped, but  I just love this very original concept.

Then we went ot a club and it was cool. I had to work the next day at 6AM so I didn’t stay THAT late (but still late enough to be VERY TIRED).

A good catchy pop song in Czech. I thought that didn’t exist! For once, I don’t feel like there are more syllables than notes. Lyrics just fit the music properly. Good

Lunch intruder

Anonymous figures in the city.

Just thank you to people who read and comment. You’re always welcome