Do you find learning Czech even more difficult than the language itself?
There is a challenge in both. The language is what it is. But there are different ways of learning it.
Let's see if the following can work for you.
It sounds strange.
We will drill. We will recite nursery rhymes. We can even sing if you are into it. A good part of learning a language is physically training the entire vocal apparatus. We will do that.
The grammar is crazy.
We don't give a damn about grammar until something raises your curiosity. And I’ll explain just the wee bit you’re wondering about. Apart from that, we let rules emerge from the body of sentences you’ll have become familiar with.
The learning material doesn't speak to you.
Instead of following ready-made materials, we’ll be building islands of expressions. Things you wanted to say but could not. Things you read or heard and didn’t understand. Signs, scattered words, what not. You bring the needs; together we’ll build your skills.
Want to see how it works?
What is a Czech Island?
See a draft of the first island built around a real learning need.
How a lesson works
See the fixed structure we use to keep the lesson focused.
Who am I?
Your seasoned Czech mate.
I've worked as a writer, editor and translator, and I've taught both English and Czech.
I also taught myself Chinese, Estonian and Icelandic — not because I needed to use them much, but simply for the fun of discovering how differently languages can work.
If you want to know a little more about me, have a look at some of the things I do: Fuck the Fear, Praguespotting and Simple Ideas of Mr. Sternwaldski.
How we meet
Lessons take place online via Google Meet. We use Google Drive to keep our working materials together between lessons.
Before our first meeting, I'll ask you to tell me a little about what you want from Czech.
- things you have wanted to say but couldn't;
- things you have heard but didn't understand;
- situations in which you weren't sure what was happening;
- words or sentences you keep encountering;
- things you would like to be able to do in Czech.
Once we've agreed on what you want and how we'd like to work, our first Meet is already a real lesson.
How often?
We can meet for one 60-minute lesson a week, two lessons a week with additional preparation and work on your personal material, or something else. We'll discuss what makes sense for you.
Prices
Prices depend on what we agree to do together — how often we meet and how much preparation or work between sessions you want.
For orientation:
1 × 60-minute lesson — €30
2 × 60-minute lessons + ongoing preparation — from €50/week
These are examples, not fixed packages.
We'll agree on the exact arrangement before we start.
Payment is by PayPal.
Interested?
Tell me a little about your Czech and what you'd like to be able to do.
czech.islands@gmail.comLet's see if this way of learning can work for you.