Product Description
Since 1993, the Czech Republic is one of the two daughter states of the former Czechoslovakia (the other is Slovakia to the east). The Czech Republic lies in the very heart of Europe and its capital Prague has become an important tourist destination. If you want to progress quickly from the basics to understanding, speaking and writing Czech with confidence, then "Teach Yourself Czech" is the course for you. Although aimed at those with no previous knowledge, it is equally suitable for anyone wishing to brush up existing knowledge for a holiday or business trip. Key structures and vocabulary are introduced in 20 thematic units progressing from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations to talking about the past and making a complaint. You will become familiar with many aspects of life in the Czech Republic as well as the language. The emphasis is on communication throughout with important language structures introduced through two dialogues in each unit. These build up to give you a command of many essential phrases and, especially in the earlier units, much of the basic language you will need on first arriving in the Czech Republic.There are plenty of exercises to practise the language as it is introduced and tips throughout to help with grammar. The new edition retains the tried-and-tested structure of the lessons but has been updated. The new page design makes the book more attractive and user-friendly for the self-access learner. New features in this edition include: an English-Czech vocabulary, a glossary of grammatical terms, new artwork, and, a taking it further section directing you to further sources of real Czech. The accompanying cassette (0 340 87060 5) and CD (0340 90624 3) are available separately, or in a pack with the book (cassette: 0 340 87059 1; CD: 0340 90623 5). ... Read more

Product Description

A Frequency Dictionary of Czech is an invaluable tool for all learners of Czech, providing a list of the 5,000 most frequently used words in the language.

Based on data from a 100 million word corpus and evenly balanced between spoken, fiction, non-fiction and newspaper texts, the dictionary provides the user with a detailed frequency-based list, as well as alphabetical and part of speech indexes.

All entries in the rank frequency list feature the English equivalent, a sample sentence with English translation and an indication of register variation. The dictionary also contains twenty thematically organised and frequency-ranked lists of words on a variety of topics, such as family, food and drink and transport.

A Frequency Dictionary of Czech enables students of all levels to get the most out of their study of vocabulary in an engaging and efficient way. It is also a rich resource for language teaching, research, curriculum design, and materials development.

František Čermák is Professor of Czech language and Director of the Institute of the Czech National Corpus, Charles University, Prague.

Michal Křen is Head of Computation Technology Department at the Institute of the Czech National Corpus, Charles University, Prague.

Product Description
How does a country find itself "at war" over spelling? This book focuses on a crucial juncture in the post-communist history of the Czech Republic, when an orthographic commission with a moderate reformist agenda found itself the focus of enormous public controversy.

Delving back into history, Bermel explores the Czech nation's long tradition of intervention and its association with the purity of the language, and how in the twentieth century an ascendant linguistic school-- Prague Functionalism-- developed into a progressive but centralizing ideology whose power base was inextricably linked to the communist regime. Bermel looks closely at the reforms of the 1990s and the heated public reaction to them. On the part of language regulators, he examines the ideology that underlay the reforms and the tactics employed on all sides to gain linguistic authority, while in dissecting the public reaction, he looks both at conscious arguments marshaled in favor of and against reform and at the use, conscious and subconscious, of metaphors about language.

Of interest to faculty and students working in the area of language, cultural studies, and history, especially that of transitional and post-communist states, this volume is also relevant for those with a more general interest in language planning and language reform. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Too Complicated and Random
I am struggling my way through the chapters, doing the exercises, and listening to the CDs.Much of it is getting through to me, but it is requiring the use of on-line dictionaries and a great deal of effort.The book tries to build on the skills learned from one chapter to the next, however it introduces too much too quickly and further complicates the plan by introducing too manny different words for the same things.My guess is that you should spend about 2 months going through the entire book...each week re-reading everything you have learned.I understand nothing comes easy, and anyone hoping for a quick and easy way to learn a new language is kidding themselves...but it would be more useful if this book did away with the excess vocabulary and made the CDs more slow and intelligible.Otherwise, like myself, one can grow bored and frustrated very quickly and lose interest in the entire endeavor.This book does one thing really well...it gives you a reality-Czech.

Second Place
There are pretty much two popular czech language book courses (not just phrase books). I reccomend the other one because it is easier to follow and learn from. Glossary in this book is also only czech-english.

A good place to learn conversation
There are two primary goals to master when trying to learn Czech.The first is attempting to learn all of the various rules for endings changes (and the numerous irregulars and exceptions).The second is building vocabulary and conversational ability.Short wisely leans toward the second goal and gently introduces the labyrinth of grammatical rules as needed.If the first goal is stressed, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed and give up.

Interesting, rough for a first-timer.
I'm learning with this book, and I do find it helpful and interesting. But I think the chapters introduce too many points at a time, and the exercises at the end of each chapter are not comprehensive enough to practice what was presented. I agree with other reviewers that the book relies a bit too much on intuition on the part of the reader.

The main thing I'm using it for is studying the conversation practices and comparing them with the tapes. I'd have to say that I've actually learned more Czech from a 40 year old copy of "Teach Yourself Czech" I found. Each chapter is only 2-3 pages long (there are lots of chapters) so you can digest things a bit at a time. So don't forget to look around some of your local used book stores!!

Czech:a Complete Course for Beginners
It depends on why you wish to learn Czech.If it's for a good grounding in grammar and to be able to read Czech literature, then this book is fine.If you're learning, as I am, for holiday purposes, then it's not much use.I shall be travelling alone, and I need to be able to ask about hotels,trains and buses,local sights,to order meals, to change money.This book isno use for that at all. The audio cassette is very difficult to follow atfirst, as the speech is so rapid. I know all the arguments for presentingit in this way, but whenthere are new and very difficult sounds to master we need more help.The r/s sound is a beast. I've got it, but no thanks tothis course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best Czech-English dictionary I've found
I agree with the previous reviewer that this is much better than what has previously been available.It is the only Czech-English dictionary I've found that is written for both native Czech speakers AND native English speakers in mind.However, the praise needs to be qualified -- the competition is not every stiff.In one dictionary, I found "Mrs." translated as "mistress."

Strong points:
-lacks major mistakes in English
-includes commonly used English words (rather than archaic or obscure English words that are technically correct translations from Czech)
-notes for the user in both English and Czech
-grammar notes (including tables with adjective endings, conjugations of verbs, and noun endings)
-Czech and English abbreviations
-identifies the part of speech, irregular conjugations/ endings in the Czech side

Weak points:
-should have brief English grammar notes for Czech users (including irregular English verbs)
-should include style notes, for both languages, on formal writing structures and proper ways to address people
-missing some obvious abbreviations (like "in"=inch, FBI, USA)
-slightly favors British English in its choice of English words (though much less than any other dictionary I've seen -- it's functional for an American)
-Instructional notes don't tell English-speaking users that words with haceks come after words without them

What this dictionary offers is all of the features that decent French, Spanish, or German dictionaries have offered for years.If this were a German dictionary, I would be disappointed because of its weaknesses.Since this is a Czech dictionary, I am pleased because it is the best I have seen and none of the weaknesses inhibit its use.

I should also note that I purchased a copy in the Czech Republic for 690 Kc, or about $25, significantly cheaper than available stateside.

Fantastický!
This book is spectacular!I was using Nine Trnka's concise 'dictionary' and this dictionary blows hers out of the water!Almost every definition has a phrase or idiom that accompanies it.The dictionary also contains a great deal of slang, for the more informal colloquial experiences in the Czech Republic.There's even a guide to Czech pronunciation, grammar tables and a guide to numbers.This book is outstanding.5 Stars. ... Read more

Product Description
Since 1993, the Czech Republic is one of the two daughter states of the former Czechoslovakia (the other is Slovakia to the east). The Czech Republic lies in the very heart of Europe and its capital Prague has become an important tourist destination. If you want to progress quickly from the basics to understanding, speaking and writing Czech with confidence then 'Teach Yourself Czech', using a book/CD combination, is the course for you. Although aimed at those with no previous knowledge, it is equally suitable for anyone wishing to brush up existing knowledge for a holiday or business trip. Key structures and vocabulary are introduced in 20 thematic units progressing from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations to talking about the past and making a complaint. You will become familiar with many aspects of life in the Czech Republic as well as the language. The emphasis is on communication throughout with important language structures introduced through two dialogues in each unit. These build up to give you a command of many essential phrases and, especially in the earlier units, much of the basic language you will need on first arriving in the Czech Republic.There are plenty of exercises to practise the language as it is introduced and tips throughout to help with grammar. The new edition retains the tried-and-tested structure of the lessons but has been updated. The new page design makes the book more attractive and user-friendly for the self-access learner. New features in this edition include: - an English-Czech vocabulary, - a glossary of grammatical terms, - new artwork, - a taking it further section directing you to further sources of real Czech. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not a good course
I bought this today at the local bookstore and returned it within a few hours. We are moving to the Czech Republic so I have to learn Czech, but this course is awful! The lessons are not structured very well and I do not like the way it is recorded between the narrator and the Czech speaker.I don't think the way they do the conversations is very helpful either.I am sure I could learn something eventually, but it would require a lot of extra effort pouring through the book and repeating the conversations too many times to get anything useful.

Horrible
The lessons in this book are impossible to follow even with the book. The people speaking in Czech do not speak loud enough and they are not thorough when they are speaking. I own this and I have not learned anything from it. I would recommend a Pimsleur course instead. I own many Pimsleur language courses and they are VERY helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
A much-needed guide for singers, vocal coaches, voice teachers, collaborative pianists, and opera and choral conductors. Practical and authoritative, Part One of this pioneering book takes the reader systematically through each sound of the Czech language, enhanced by a recording of native Czech opera singers. The formation of each sound is described, and when useful, compared to English, the Romance languages, German, and Russian. Every sound is assigned an IPA symbol, along with exercises and examples, always with the technical and expressive considerations of the singing voice in mind. Chapters cover the Czech vowels; consonants; rules of assimilation; approaches to singing double consonants; stress and length; Moravian dialect; and an introduction to singing in Slovak. Part Two presents a thorough overview of Czech vocal repertoire, along with the texts to major song literature and opera excerpts by Smetana, Dvorak, Janacek, Martinu, and Haas, with timings, editions, word-for-word translations, idiomatic translations, and IPA transcriptions. Specific works have been chosen for every voice type, and for every level. Even a work ideal for an Opera Workshop scenes program has been selected. Useful appendices list publishers, organizations, and Czech poets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

arrived quickly
I ordered this for my son for a Christmas gift, and it was here in three days and in perfect condition.

Timothy Cheeks Singing in Czech
I am currently writing my Master's thesis on teaching Czech diction to singers, Timothy Cheek's book has been my number one resource. I am also singing Dvorak's "Gypsy songs" for my recital and again, this book was most helpful. I recommend it for anyone who wants to be able to sing in Czech.

review of "Singing in Czech" by Timothy Cheek
I have recently been coaching young, Australian singers in Czech diction and pronounciation for famous Czech arias and songs. Though I am a 'native' Czech speaker,I have found this book invaluable in explaining simply and efficiently correct Czech singing diction. This book may well dispel many fears of singing in the Czech language and make some of the wonderful repertoire much more accesssible.

A Godsend
From Catherine Malfitano, soprano; international interpreter of Janacek roles: "At a time when the great Czech masterpieces are moving more and more into mianstream life, along comes an invaluable guide to singing authentically and expressively in this unfamiliar language. Timothy Cheek seems to have tapped into the singer's deepest needs and fears when first faced with these daunting sounds. He demystifies the difficulties and clearly shows the way to linking what we already know, from other more familiar languages, to what we can hope to achieve by assimilating the unique colors of this highly expressive language. I am grateful for his usage of the International Phonetic Alphabet to demonstrate many of these sounds. The recorded examples by the two Czech singers are also very welcome. This book will make the learning of sung Czech much more accessible and enjoyable to all singers."

Czech with Cheek
"I recommend Timothy Cheek's book 'Singing in Czech' to anyone interested in singing the works of Smetana, Dvorak, Janacek, and a host of other Czech composers in the original language. After very thorough descriptions of every sound found in the Czech language, Mr. Cheek analyses and gives phonetic representations of the correct sounds in Czech of many famous works, including 'Rusalka,' 'The Bartered Bride,' 'The Diary of One Who Vanished,' and many others. I hope the book will be sutdied by every singer and repetiteur who cares about language and who regards Czech, with its rich musical repertoire, as important as Italian, German, French, or Russian." Sir Charles Mackerras, renowned conductor and writer of the foreword ... Read more

Product Description
Now learning a foreign language can be enjoyable as well as challenging, and not require a trip back to the classroom. Available in both book-only or book-and-cassette format, these Three-Month Language Courses are outstanding self-study programs designed for the individual seeking to acquire a good working knowledge of a language in a short amount of time. Devoting just over an hour daily to the course, the program provides grammar lessons, contextual conversion drills, relevant word lists, and graded exercises, giving you an immediate and practical grasp of the language. In addition, pronunciation is made easy with Hugo's unique "imitated pronunciation" system, which represents foreign sounds with English syllables. Whether you are a businessman tackling an international account, a student preparing for an adventurous holiday, or simply a lover of new languages, the Three-Month Language Course makes learning easy, satisfying, and more fun than ever before. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Czech in Three Months: Less than ideal
I write this with the perspective of someone who's learned several languages. The book is seriously flawed as a self-instruction course. Explanations as to the workings of grammatical points, such as hard andsoft nouns, are incomplete; there are not enough practice dialogues; morevocabulary and grammar is introduced at the early stages than exerciseswith which to practice and reinforce what one has learned. From chapter 8onwards things begin to look up, but I will be looking for another book toget myself up to the level required for chapter 8 of the Hugo book. At thatpoint, I might return to the Hugo book, as it has a lovely sense of humorin the later dialogues, well worth learning for colloquial conversation. ... Read more

Product Description
This beginner's course in spoken and written Czech is designed to be of interest to someone who has never learnt the language before or who wants to build on existing skills. Based on the Council of Europe's guidelines on language learning, this book is part of a course where emphasis is placed on practical communication, as well as containing useful information on the culture of Czechoslovakia. A book/cassette pack is also available. ... Read more

Product Description
*Easy-to-read pronounciation guide for the Czech phrases *Questions you want to ask, answers you may be given and signs you may see *3000-word English/Czech mini-dictionary *Useful information about Czech Republic ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not the best
This is definitely not a stellar dictionary.The grammatical informationis sparse and difficult to decipher (on the Czech to English side, atleast), and at times secondary or tertiary definitions are not includedwhen they should be. A number of times I encountered entries that wereoutdated or just plain wrong. Leda publishing puts out a much betterdictionary for students of Czech. ... Read more

Product Description
A Czech phrasebook, laid out dictionary-style for easy access. It includes English-Czech and Czech-English sections and a menu reader. Feature boxes contain cultural know-how and other matters where language is important, like making a phone call. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An essential pocket companion to the Czech Republic
This is one book to take with you if you are visiting the Czech Republicand don't speak the language. The introductory material is a great guide topronunciation and grammar. The major part of the book is an English-Czech,Czech-English phrasebook and dictionary in alphabetic order which isexcellent. Pronunciation guides follow most words and are well done.Dialogues and Feature Boxes throughout this section are wonderful. I didn'tget fluent enough to make much use of the dialogues, but the Feature Boxeswere a great help in understanding an unfamiliar culture. I went throughthe book reading them all to get a quick overview of Czech customs andfound it extremely helpful. There is also a large Menu Reader in the backto help with eating out. Don't leave for Prague without it. ... Read more