The Difference Between Czech and Slovak Language
Slovak isn't a dialect of the Czech
What it’s like for a Slovak citizen to live in the Czech Republic
Born and bred in Slovakia, I grew up having access to both Slovak and Czech languages. TV programs, entire Czech channels, music bands, voice dubbing as well as books have been favored by many Slovaks for as long as I can remember. A large number of big movies and sitcoms sound better with Czech dubbing, except for the Garfield movies, Friends (1994–2004), or Two and a Half Men (especially episodes with Charlie Sheen).
I’ve lived in Prague for almost 6 years and not once have I felt unwelcome, unwanted, or otherwise ostracised. It’s no secret Czechs and Slovaks relate to each other as brothers and sisters. We share more than just a common border which was non-existent during the 75 years of being one nation — Czechoslovakia (1918–1993).
I used to speak Czech when I first came here mainly to show gratitude and pay my respect to the country.
However, I now speak Slovak about 80–90% of the time and rarely deal with any misunderstandings or rejection. Quite on the contrary, the Slovak language seems to be viewed as endearing. Czechs tend to enjoy the softness of our language and the many different…
