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Are you a “grammar over-thinker”? Já taky…

Ahoj, jak to jde? Tady Eliška. Zase. A mám pro tebe zajímavou zkušenost (experience). Je tvoje zkušenost podobná nebo naopak úplně jiná? Napiš do komentáře.

When in 2014 I moved to France, my French was already on an advanced level. However, still two crucial things were missing and my self-esteem felt like “I don’t belong here” and “I am not good enough”. There were two things that I did not learn either on my own or at the university:

  1. confident and faster speaking and
  2. French pop culture.

React faster? Feel confident? Live in the new country and feel like a loser?

I understood around 75% of what was going on but I was not very active when it comes to answering. At the university, I learnt all the grammar rules and filled in thousands of exercices. But communicating? Often I would create the answer in my head and just communicate this solo-way which… can’t be really called a communication, že?

If you want to communicate, you need two things: firstly, you need to understand what the other person is saying (that is why we should always learn with input and passively absorb the language). Secondly, you need to react. I teach mostly beginners and lower levels for whom the frustration coming from not being able to react is pretty high. It is normal, we need time! You might say: “I know that a child needs many many years to learn the language. But I have been learning for many years, too, now!” But – have you been learning 24/24, too? As adult, we are too hard on ourselves, you know it – productivity and results…

Or what about the fresher experience with my Arabic (that I paused now due to the little baby in my belly)? I understand what the tutor is saying but am not able to answer. But it is good, step 1 checked! Now, what I would need are similar questions on one topic where I could automatize my answers without thinking too much. This is what we all need. Stop over-thinking the grammar endings from the very beginning of your learning process. How? Listen, watch, practise with me..

If you have been following slowczech for some time now, you might know my “21 day grammar challenge” – over 70 of you joined and enjoyed! Jsem fakt moc ráda! 🙂 And because I love this challenge so much, I want to continue offering it to you… in a slightly changed outfit – as a self-paced course “21 day grammar challenge” where you will practise topic by topic directly with me – questions, answers, simulated dialogues… Just practice!

Join right now and start practising your basic Czech grammar immediately. Čeština je jednoduchá, if you have the right materials.

French pop culture and why was is so important for me?

Hmm… About this super-important topic next time. In the meantime, have you seen the last YouTube video “Famous movies quotes“? And have you voted? 😉

Jestli chceš být v kontaktu s češtinou, follow our Instagram – every day a different tutor is brightening your days with lovely Czech language 🙂

Měj se hezky, uč se česky.

Eliška & slowczech team

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ČESKÁ VERZE

***

Když jsem se v roce 2014 přestěhovala do Francie, moje francouzština už byla na pokročilé úrovni. Stále však chyběly dvě zásadní věci a já jsem se cítila jako „nepatřím sem“ a „nejsem dost dobrá“. A ty dvě věci, které jsem se nenaučila ani sama ani na univerzitě, byly:

  1. sebevědomé a rychlejší mluvení a
  2. francouzská pop-kultura.

Reagovat rychleji? Cítit se sebevědomě? Žít v nové zemi a cítit se jako nula?

Rozuměla jsem asi 75% toho, co se okolo mě děje, ale nebyla jsem příliš aktivní, pokud jde o odpovědi. Na univerzitě jsem se naučila všechna gramatická pravidla a vyplnila tisíce cvičení. Ale komunikovat? Často jsem si v hlavě vytvářela odpověď a komunikovala jen tímto “sólo způsobem”, který … se opravdu nedá nazvat komunikací, že?

Pokud chceš komunikovat, potřebuješ dvě věci: za prvé musíš rozumět tomu, co ten druhý říká (proto bychom se měli vždy učit s inputem a jazyk pasivně “nasávat”/absorbovat). Za druhé, musíš reagovat. Učím převážně začátečníky a nižší úrovně, u kterých je frustrace plynoucí z neschopnosti reagovat dost vysoká. Je to normální, potřebujeme čas! Možná si teď říkáš: “Vím, že dítě potřebuje mnoho let na to, aby se naučilo jazyk. Ale já se také učím už mnoho let!” Ale – učíš se také 24/24? V dospělosti jsme na sebe příliš tvrdí, znáš to, že jo – produktivita a výsledky…

Nebo co čerstvější zkušenost s mojí arabštinou (kterou jsem teď stopla kvůli malému miminku v bříšku)? Chápu, co mi lektor říká, ale nejsem schopna odpovědět. Ale je to dobré, krok 1 je za mnou! Nyní bych potřebovala podobné otázky na jedno téma, kde bych mohla zautomatizovat své odpovědi, aniž bych příliš přemýšlela. To je to, co všichni potřebujeme. Přestaň se tolik soustředit na gramatické koncovky a to od samého začátku tvého studia. Jak? Poslouchej, dívej se na video, trénuj se mnou…

Pokud už nějakou dobu sleduješ slowczech, možná znáš moji „21denní gramatickou výzvu“ – přes 70 z vás se přidalo a užilo si to! Jsem fakt moc ráda! 🙂 A protože tuto výzvu tak miluji, chci ji i nadále nabízet… jako self-paced kurz “21 day grammar challenge“, kde si procvičíš téma po tématu přímo se mnou – otázky, odpovědi, simulované dialogy,… prostě trénink!

Připoj se hned teď a začni ihned procvičovat svou základní českou gramatiku. Čeština je jednoduchá, pokud máš správné materiály.

Francouzská popkultura a proč byla pro mě tak důležitá?

Hmm … O tomto super důležitém tématu příště. Mimochodem, užs viděl(a) nejnovější video na YouTube „Famous movie quotes / hlášky ze slavných filmů“? A hlasoval(a)s? 😉

Jestli chceš být v kontaktu s češtinou, sleduj náš Instagram – každý den ti jiná lektorka rozjasní tvůj den krásnou češtinou 🙂

Měj se hezky, uč se česky.

Eliška & slowczech team

I am slowczech founder and from my experience I know two things: beginners can understand words with time. And enjoyable input is vital for natural language acquisition. Many give up Czech due to old methods, irrelevant vocabulary or overwhelming grammar. Let’s change that and make learning Czech exciting and effective.

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Daniela

Arabic culture, nature, family

I’m Daniela or Danča. I enjoy working with adults from different cultural backgrounds. To me, Czech is like a beautiful forest that we explore together. Let’s play games, discover new strategies, and share our hobbies in class. I love traveling, swimming, reading, watching films, and singing in a vocal band.

Vendy

Plants, books, Spain

I am slowczech courses manager and a Prague-based Czech tutor. Let’s conquer language fears together! I know how to tailor our lessons and ask you about your goals. Is it chatting over beer, work emails, university studies, family connections? I adore languages, plants, sitcoms, books, documentaries, ping-pong, and nature trips.

Monika

Enthusiasm, minimalism, socializing

I’m Monika, or Monča, slowczech event & good mood manager. I love meaningful conversations and meeting new people. Languages and cultures are my passion.  I was living in France, England and Vietnam. As a Czech tutor, I focus on understanding your needs and creating a positive, supportive environment.

Šárka

Wine, design, languages

I’m the slowczech tutor and e-shop manager living in Brno. Having lived in Spain and Russia, I love travelling – exploring new places brings me joy. I cherish the variety and surprises that life offers. Teaching allows me to embark on adventurous journeys with my students. Let’s discover the world together!

Martina

Travelling, new ideas, optimism

I’m creative content manager and tutor from Ostrava. As a tutor, translator, and course coordinator, I understand that every student is unique and requires a personalized approach. Whether you’re refining grammar or starting from scratch, I will help you. I incorporate real-life materials. Seeing your progress brings me joy!

Maruška

Games, sarcasm, my cat

I’m Marie, your friendly tutor and slowczech network & lab manager. I love connecting with students, fostering love for learning, and indulging in some Czech language nerdiness. I’m a Prague native, and I also love getting out of the city to hike and explore. Podcasts, British comedy, DnD, and spending time with my cat!

Jindra

Nature, meditation, children

I am experienced tutor for children. I have been working with children since ever and there is no better job! In lessons love using stories, games and pictures. We always laugh a lot. Besides teaching, I enjoy meditation and spending time outside.

Michaela slowczech teacher

Michaela

Czech language, picnics, Prague

I’ve been teaching Czech since 2013, starting with native speakers and later focusing on Czech as a foreign language. It’s my calling to help you with this awesome language. In my classes, we play games, explore idioms and enjoy observing progress. Let’s talk books, movies, dogs, sun in our lessons!

Music, lgbtq+, religions

I’m Barbora, or Bára. Life is amazing with wonderful people, my husband and my child by my side. I’m lucky to have my dream job, helping people understand each other. I enjoy both learning and teaching. I love working on conversation skills and correct pronunciation. Share your stories with me!

Ema

Music, French, communication

I’m Ema (or Míša), and I fell in love with teaching Czech eight years ago. Learning a language is a journey and I am here to be your guide and help you to enjoy it. Together, we always set a destination (in a week/month/year) and create a detailed itinerary, so we don´t get lost on the way. I love travelling, hiking, yoga, music, and dancing. I have a little baby now. That’s why I also offer WhatsApp and Hybrid lessons.

Leona

Chinese, Asia, travelling

大家好!I am Lee, an experienced foreign language teacher. My background includes teaching students of all levels. I always listen to my students’ concerns, and I help them unlock their full potential. It really brings me joy to see my students make progress. Let’s get the ball rollin’! 加油加油

Petra L.

Czech culture, self-reflection, family

Since 2017, I’ve been teaching Czech to both groups and individuals. I tailor lessons to my students’ preferences, offering exam preparation or fun conversational classes. I believe that language connects us and fosters understanding. I’m also a certified teacher for children and have extensive experience working with kids.

Nicole

Canada, ecology, introvert

I started teaching in 2013 as a volunteer in a Czech village in Ukraine. After teaching in Ukraine and Canada, I joined slowczech full-time. I focus on conversation lessons. I really enjoy getting to know my students! I’m passionate about protecting the environment and volunteer for ecological organizations.

Peťa S.

Walks, my family, languages

I’m one of the lucky ones whose hobby is their job. I’ve learned ten foreign languages so far, and I’m currently learning German. I understand the challenges of learning Czech, but the feeling of finally getting it is incredible. I love traveling, reading books and spending time outdoors.

Veronika

Optimism, languages, relationships

I’m enthusiastic Czech tutor and Spanish interpreter. Tolerance, positive mind, joy and respect are priorities for me – in lessons and in life. I spent some time abroad and I also study languages, so I can understand your needs. I am fascinated by interpersonal relationships, human mind and wonders of nature.

Anička

Traditions, my daughter, meeting people

I’m Anna or rather Anička, and since 2019 I’ve been teaching Czech with a focus on interesting and entertaining methods. I prioritize conversations and dialogues to help students understand how the languages work. I aim to create a nurturing environment for you. Let’s start this wonderful language journey together!

Anna R.

Mexico, Czech language, new people

I´m freelance tutor since 2019 currently living in Mexico. I use mostly communication methods of teaching, which means we will talk a lot. I believe language lessons are not only about learning a new language, but it is a great opportunity to explore different culture, meet new people, make friends!

Eva

Nature, Russian, icecream

I am constantly looking for playful and unconventional ways of teaching. I understand the Russian soul and speak Russian myself at a native level. I can help Russian speakers avoid the pitfalls that come with the similarities between 2 languages. I am not afraid to sleep alone in the forest.

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Premium content

The videos and podcasts from slowczech Lab complement the free version. You can find them in the respective posts, located in the red section, as shown in the image below.

illustration of how the czech material for premium members are displayed

How to use this page?

Thank you again for joining the slowczech Lab! We’ve packed as many features as we could into this subscription, so there’s a lot for you to explore.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • a direct link to the slowczech Lab’s Discord server
  • specific links on Discord to access the group lesson schedules
  • all the premium videos and podcasts, pre-filtered for your convenience
  • buttons to manage or cancel your subscription
  • our terms of use

Interesting tidbit: the illustration below depicts a “táborák”, a beloved tradition in Czechia. Friends and families gather around a campfire to relax, chat, grill buřty, and sip beer.

With slowczech, we aim to provide you with a similar atmosphere: a warm, welcoming space to meet fellow learners and practice your Czech in a no-pressure setting. Enjoy! :)

group lessons

You have the opportunity to enroll in 2 groups lessons per month.

The standard break down is between beginner and advanced students

The decision of the day and time of the lessons is based on a voting system held in Discord.

We will do our best to accomodate everyone! 

Jak používat tuto stránku?

Díky, že ses přidala do slowczech network! Do balíčku předplatného jsme zabalili opravdu spoustu funkcí. Pojďme je společně prozkoumat.

Na této stránce najdeš:

  • přímý odkaz na server Discord pro lektory
  • odkazy na Discord pro přístup ke kalendáři workshopů
  • záznamy z předcházejících workshopů
  • odkazy na slevy u našich partnerů
  • tlačítka pro správu předplatného
  • naše podmínky služby

Věděla jsi, že ilustrace níže je Magion I, první československá družice?

Eliška

business, mother, polyglote

I am slowczech founder and from my experience I know two things: beginners can understand words with time. And enjoyable input is vital for natural language acquisition. Many give up Czech due to old methods, irrelevant vocabulary or overwhelming grammar. Let’s change that and make learning Czech exciting and effective.