From Bohemia to Czechia

From Bohemia to Czechia

Author: Radio Prague International July 12, 2016 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 discussions preceded this resolution, with many considering the word „ugly“, and with even more erroneously believing that it was to replace „the Czech Republic“. So what´s in the name?

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
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Easter is upon us, and with it comes a host of Czech traditions. Czechia is known internationally for its unique selection of Easter activities, some of which may raise a concerned eyebrow among foreigners. To help you u…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Sloka may seem like a humble Czech word, referring to the verse of a song or a stanza of poem, but it has a very distinct origin. It’s also a testament to how individuals can have a big impact on a language, if the condi…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Křída is another one of those humble Czech words with a Roman origin. It goes all the way to Latin crēta , which likewise referred to chalk, and which also developed into the Italian and French words for the soft, white…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Národní is a Czech adjective that translates to ‘national’. Just like in English, underlying the adjective národní is the Czech word for ‘nation’, národ.
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Děkuji is among the first words that Czech learners tend to pick up. After all, we all want to be polite! Děkovat means ‘to thank’, and it has an associated noun, dík ‘thanks’.
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
A lowly tradesman in Roman times was a caupō , and to trade or barter was to caupōnārī . From either the noun or the verb, the modern Germanic languages of Swedish, Dutch and German get their words for ‘to buy’: köpa , k…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
'Host' might be a challenge for English-speaking Czech learners, since the word looks like the opposite of what it means – not a guest, but a host!
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
In their Latin language, the Romans had the word castellum , which meant ‘fortress’. This is straightforwardly the origin of English castle , but in Czech it has taken on a religious meaning.