Unlocking Czech Culture: No Advanced Czech Required!

As a teacher of Czech for foreigners, I often find myself discussing a wide range of topics with my students, including many that touch upon Czech culture. But until they reach a certain level of fluency, Czech culture can sometimes feel like a closed book to them.

Sure, students can enjoy Czech music or admire the visual arts—both of which don’t necessarily require knowing the language. However, I wanted to share some areas of Czech culture that are available in English, so there’s no need to wait until you’ve mastered Czech to dive in! I’m particularly talking about areas where language plays a key role—like theatre and literature.

Of course, this doesn’t mean learning Czech isn’t worthwhile—far from it! I think we can all agree that understanding the language of a country you live in or are fascinated by is the best way to truly immerse yourself in its society and culture. But while you’re still learning, why not explore some Czech theatre or literature that’s already been translated into English?

I’m also fascinated by translations of Czech literature into other languages—like German, Spanish, or Polish—and I plan to write about those in the future as well. It’s a rich area that opens up Czech literary gems to readers across the globe! Stay tuned for my favorite picks!