Tomorrow I will be starting my first formal lessons in Czech. After being here for almost 2 years now, it is amazing how I survived without speaking the language fluently. Of course I can get by with knowing how to count, say one phrase or two, or maybe even converse with my broken Czech, but if I really want to make something out of myself in this country, I have to speak the language like a native.
Another motivator is my son’s fluency in Czech. Since he has been in school, his Czech fluency has greatly improved. Pretty soon, I would like to be able to help him when he does his homework. His awareness of Czech and English as 2 different languages is very amusing. One day he asked me: “Mommy, what is gulas (Czech dish) in English?” I answered: “It is still gulas, but spelled as goulash.” But of course, it is difficult to explain spellings to a 2.5 year old, as he is not even able to read yet.
Me being able to speak Czech fluently will also take a lot of load off my husband’s shoulders. All through the building phase of our home, he had to arrange everything from buying the land, getting the permits and looking for a builder. On top of that, he has to go to work since he is the breadwinner of this family.
My current Czech knowledge is enabling me to go to the store and do groceries, bring my son to school , go to the doctor and even befriend a few locals. This time, I would like to be able to go to public offices, make negotiations, and perhaps even write essays in Czech. Very ambitious, I know. But I will get there….somehow.
Czech the Flip 
I’m sure you will do great. We got off at the wrong train station in a small town and even with a dictionary, I had a hard time. Much like Japanese, the reading is the tough part.
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Hi Colleen! It is very challenging but I think I’m headed in the right direction. 🙂
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Nice pun. I know you will learn fast. 😀
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Thanks, Kat! I hope so too.
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Good luck with the learning Grace!!
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Thanks, JC!
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Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get there very soon!
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Thanks, Chris!
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In case you need a help, contact me, I am very fluent in Czech :-).
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Hi Katy! Thanks for the offer. I may have some questions for you soon.
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Remarkable! Just opened and read your site. More Power and Regards!
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Uy, Ingrid, salamat!
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You’ll be fluent in no time!
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Thanks for the vote of confidence, CT!
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So interesting learning another language.. enjoy!!
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Thanks, Lisa! It’s a bit challenging but rewarding nevertheless. 🙂
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Best way to learn a language is to be immersed to be surrounded by folks speaking it. Wishing you great luck.
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Thanks, Gunta! It is indeed. I pick up a word or two everytime I go out and try to talk to people.
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All the best with your language learning!
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Thanks you! 🙂
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It is a good investment, and you will do fine. Wishing you the best of luck.
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Keep up the good work. I find people appreciate when I try to speak their language, even if I butcher it. I like your blog!
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