Czech and Slovak: languages or dialects?

Czech and Slovak: languages or dialects?

Author: Radio Prague International January 5, 2023 Duration: 15:44
“A language is a dialect with an army and a navy.” This is the maxim often cited to explain the sometimes arbitrary distinctions between languages and dialects. So what about the case of Czech and Slovak, which are generally considered to be mutually intelligible? Were they always considered to be separate languages, even when Czechoslovakia was one country? And has anything changed linguistically since the nations went their separate ways politically?

Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the charming complexities of the Czech language? This collection from Radio Prague International-Topic «Czech language course» offers a direct line to learning, presented by the seasoned broadcasters at Radio Prague International. You'll hear practical lessons woven into engaging audio segments, moving beyond simple phrases to explore the rhythm and character of the language as it's actually spoken. Each episode serves as a cultural entry point, where grammatical concepts and vocabulary are presented through real-world context and clear explanations. Tuning into this podcast feels less like a formal class and more like a guided auditory tour of Czech linguistic landscapes. It’s an accessible resource for anyone from curious beginners to those looking to polish their existing skills, all delivered with the authoritative yet approachable style of an international public broadcaster. The content, categorized under News, reflects a commitment to providing informative and current material, making the learning process relevant and connected to contemporary Czech life. Discover the sounds and structures of Czech through this dedicated series, where language learning is presented as an integral part of understanding the country itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Radio Prague International - Topic «Czech language course»
Podcast Episodes
On Our Street [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:31
Hello and welcome to a new edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. Today we will be listening to the song V naší ulici, or in our str…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
On May 2, 2016, the government of the Czech Republic decided to notify Czechia to the UN as the short alternative of the country´s English name, and on July 1, it was officially entered into the UN databases. Heated disc…
Tons of Angels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:16
Welcome to a new edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. The word for today is anděl – an angel. We will be listening to a song perfo…
Cat and Mouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:30
Hello and welcome to a new edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. Today we will be listening to the song “Jaký to je” or “How it is”…
Looking to Catch a Bird? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:41
Welcome to a new edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. Some days you may find yourself being convinced to do something, perhaps aga…
Disappear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:11
Hello and welcome to a fresh edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. The word for today is zmizet, which means to disappear. We will…
Just Cough On It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36
Hello and welcome to a new edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. Today we will be listening to the song “Chemie” or “Chemistry” by…
A Night Out on the Town [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:07
Hello and welcome to a new edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. Today we will be learning words and phrases related to a night out…