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[tamisevens]

Whew. Manning and I did and saw a lot in the past two weeks. If you ever find yourself thinking "god, the world is so small," you should take a bus across Romania. After 7 hours, you'll still be in the same region

Comments

[masscooper]

Slovak appeared in written form in the 15th century, according to this site. It is indeed very similar to Czech, and the two are mutually intelligible, but drifting apart (again, same source).

According to Brittanica via Answers.com, Czech developed earlier, and Slovak wasn't widely written until the 18th century. They also explain it was standardized in the 1850s.

Safe travels!

[artiekgb]

I am not sure of the particulars, but I know that Slovak is a sepparate language with a lot of similarities, as in someone who is fluent in either could probably get by in the other. I know that my aunt speaks Slovak, I should ask her.

Enjoy your last weeks in Paris. I look forward to seeing you both soon.

[sakirmo]

If I remember correctly, my Czech friend told me they are indeed two different languages but a lot (not all) is commonly understood between Czech and Slovak-speakers because the languages have many similarities.

And I know that when we send orders to Slovakia at work there will always be two types of leaflets included, one in Slovak and the other in Czech.

[tarah_masu]

Czech and Slovak youngsters dont understand much at all anymore. Almost all people over around 45 or 50 completely understand each other. It is most definately drifting more and more apart.

Just last week, (after my formal Czech class) my Czech friend taught me three new words or sayings, that if spoken to an elderly Czech, wouldn't be understood, or if they do understand it is considered teen talk (so I probably shouldnt be using it anyways!)

I guess languages keep changing ever so slightly, and now Czech and Slovaks don't share the same country, it also keeps changing with the young people.

Im glad you enjoyed more of Bratislava than the airport! Its very quaint and beautiful hey!
Will you make a photo post of your adventure? I went to Romania in August and would love to see and read about your experience... (I have yet to make a Romanian photo post myself!)

Take care, and enjoy the last of the time you have on holidays.

[tamisevens]

I will post pictures as soon as I can! I just got back to Paris now, so I'm not too sure when that will happen...

thanks for the imput about the language, it's fascinating!

[tamisevens]

wow! I had no idea they would be different enough to make different leaflets. it's funny how everyone I ask has an answer that's slightly different. :)

[kocici]

so happy you're here! I'm a total and utter zombie from several consecutive nights of pulling quasi all-nighters, but I can't wait to see you, zombie or not, and even if I can't hang out long.

[tamisevens]

I can't wait to see you either! We're back, in the Marais, and ready to see you wonderful people anytime you're free. no internet access at "home" just yet, but we'll figure something out. I guess there's always the phone.