Culture

Czech Among World’s TOP 10 Most Difficult Languages for English-Speakers

Insider Monkey recently analyzed the twenty most challenging languages for English speakers to master, and the Czech language features among the top 10. Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese are among the toughest languages for English speakers to learn, particularly due to their complex grammar, writing, and pronunciation systems. Moreover, Mandarin Chinese is also one of the most spoken native languages in the world. According to data from Ethnologue, it is spoken by over 1 billion speakers around the globe. Mandarin is also one of the most commonly spoken and official dialects of Chinese, spoken by approximately 80% of the Chinese population. To compile the list of the top 20 languages with the hardest grammar for English speakers, they used the Foreign Services Institute data on Foreign Language Training. Foreign Services Institute categorizes languages into 4 broad categories based on the number of class hours required to learn a language. For this article, we used Category 3 and Category 4, which require 1,100 and 2,200 class hours for English speakers to learn. The Foreign Services Institute does not give individual rankings for the languages. Therefore, they employed a consensus methodology to rank our languages. They shifted through the rankings of Berlitz,...

 by Prague Morning Feb 26, 2024

Legend of Boiled Eggs Comes to Life on Prague’s Charles Bridge

One of the most renowned stories associated with Prague’s Charles Bridge will be brought to life. The Vajíčkobraní, a medieval costumed parade of peasants handing over a cartload of boiled eggs from the municipality of Velvara to the Prague mayor, will take place there on March 24 at 13:00. According to tradition, the bridge’s architects chose to use eggs, milk, and wine in the mortar to increase the strength of the bridge (just like raw egg is added to meatballs to make them firmer). Since there were not enough eggs in Prague, all towns in Bohemia and Moravia had to contribute. The instructions gave rise to misunderstandings: some cities sent cheese and cottage cheese. The residents of Velvary sent the eggs hardboiled, to ensure that the fragile cargo didn’t break on the way to Prague, thus earning a place in history for the shame and ridicule they had to endure from Prague residents. A recent carried out in the laboratory of the Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Chemical Technology showed that the legend about eggs being added to the Charles Bridge mortar was based on reality, Týden writes. Štepánka Kučková from the University of Chemistry and Technology...

 by Prague Morning Feb 26, 2024

55th Anniversary of the Death of Student Jan Zajíc

On February 25, 1969, Jan Zajíc, an 18-year-old student from Šumperk set himself on fire to protest against growing public apathy to the Soviet led-invasion in 1968. Zajíc, who felt that further protest actions were needed, committed the act on the 21st anniversary of the communist putsch in 1948. He had several letters with him urging the people to fight against the Soviet military occupation of Czechoslovakia. He left for Prague on the morning of 25 February 1969. Even though three of his classmates were traveling with him for different reasons and the police knew about his intention, no one succeeded in preventing Zajíc from committing suicide. At about 1:30 p.m., he doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire in house number 39 on Wenceslas Square in Prague. He died directly on the spot after having failed to run out of the building. He left there a list of his fictitious followers and a declaration called “Citizens of the Czechoslovak Republic”: “Despite what Jan Palach did, our life is returning to its old ways” he writes, “and that is why I decided to wake up your consciousness as torch number 2. I am not doing it to be...

 by Prague Morning Feb 25, 2024

Prime Video’s “Blade Runner 2099” to be Filmed in Prague

Amazon’s Blade Runner series, set in the iconic dystopian cyberpunk world, gears up for filming in Prague at Barrandov Studios. Director Ridley Scott, also the producer, promises a continuation of the story in “Blade Runner 2099.” While Scott juggles various projects, including a planned Gladiator sequel, filming for the series was initially delayed from last summer in Belfast due to a writer’s strike. Now, the wait is over! Camera shutters will fall this April, but not in Belfast. Deadline reports the production has shifted to Prague. The series is being directed by Jonathan van Tulleken, who will executive produce the first two episodes. Tulleken recently directed the first two episodes of FX’s Shōgun. Van Tulleken joins the project as executive producer alongside showrunner and head writer Silka Luisa (Shining Girls) and Tom Spezialy (Ash vs Evil Dead) who contributed to the script. Details about the plot remain shrouded in mystery, but speculation points towards “Blade Runner 2099” continuing the established narrative. Blade Runner 2049, the 2017 feature film directed by Denis Villeneuve was shot in Hungary, at Origo Studios in Budapest and Korda Studios in Etyek; on-location shoots took place at Stock Exchange Palace, Szabadság in Budapest. The Czech Republic has...

 by Prague Morning Feb 21, 2024

Ready to Groove? Prague’s Spectaculare Festival Opens Its Doors!

The 11th edition of the Spectaculare Festival kicks off this Friday, transforming Prague into a playground for music lovers. Curated by Josef Sedloň, the festival features everything from quiet, relaxing sounds to high-energy beats, all brought to life with cool visuals. From cozy churches to bumping clubs, different spots around the city will be filled with music from February 23rd to March 28th. Here are some of the coolest things happening: Start with a Bang: Lose yourself in the beautiful music of “Colours of Air” by Loscil & Lawrence English at the Church of St. Simon and Jude. Stunning pictures and a laser show made just for the event will kick off the festival in an unforgettable way. Electronic Beats: Head to Bike Jesus to hear the mind-blowing sounds of British producers. You’ll hear Clark playing his new album “Cave Dog” (released on 1st December) along with his latest hits, and DJ Counselling will spin some chill house music. The mysterious Holy Other will round out the night with his unique style. Jazz Meets Electronica Get ready for a mix of jazz and electronic music at Akropolis. The Danish duo Svaneborg Kardyb will show off their awesome new work, and...

 by Prague Morning Feb 21, 2024

Prague Welcomes Central Europe’s Largest Pop-Art Gallery

Hundreds flocked to the grand opening of the Rataj Factory Gallery and Josef Rataj‘s inaugural exhibition in Prague’s Old Town last Friday. Nestled in the heart of Prague’s Michalská Street, the Rataj Factory Gallery houses a collection of over 150 paintings alongside diverse pop-art artifacts, including designer handbags, sculptures, musical instruments, and mirrors. Even Art Nouveau sofas receive a pop-art makeover, breathing new life into classic designs. Months of renovation transformed the historic building, with hundreds of hours dedicated to crafting the gallery’s interior and arranging the exhibits. “An official opening isn’t planned until mid-April, so I didn’t send invitations,” Rataj explained. “Just a small social media announcement. I expected an intimate gathering, but the crowd was incredible! Seeing their excitement is truly special, especially the diversity in age. I wish every artist could experience this.” Prague now boasts the largest pop art gallery in Central Europe, serving as Rataj’s permanent exhibition space. “This dream I held for years has finally materialized. Here, I have everything under one roof – over 200 unique artifacts, from paintings and sculptures to neon signs and mirrors. But this is just the beginning. On April 16th, the grand opening will unveil the full gallery,...

 by Prague Morning Feb 19, 2024

Visit the KAFKAESQUE Exhibition at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art

Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of Franz Kafka’s enduring legacy at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague. The KAFKAESQUE exhibition, showcasing the captivating influence of Kafka’s work on contemporary visual art, runs until September 22nd, marking the 100th anniversary of his death. Journey through both time and theme. The exhibition delves into the historical significance of Kafka’s writing for 20th-century art, while simultaneously drawing parallels to today’s complexities and ambiguities. Over thirty renowned artists contribute their creative expressions, presenting their artworks in dialogue with Kafka’s literature. This juxtaposition powerfully underscores the timeless relevance of his explorations of existential anxieties and personal struggles, as highlighted by German philosopher Theodor W. Adorno’s observation that parts of Kafka’s work read like descriptions of Expressionist paintings begging to be brought to life. The KAFKAESQUE exhibition fulfills this artistic prophecy. For decades, Kafka’s life and work have presented a captivating puzzle for both scholars and readers alike. Popular masterpieces like Metamorphosis and The Trial have sparked countless interpretations and been translated into dozens of languages. His influence continues to resonate in the works of contemporary authors, visual artists, and musicians. Move beyond mere commemoration. As the DOX representatives aptly state, “The goal of...

 by Prague Morning Feb 14, 2024

Meet Hrabal’s Neighbors the Movie Way. Watch “The Snowdrop Festival”!

After the immense success of the movie “Cutting It Short”, the Academy Award-winning director Jiří Menzel was begged to do another Bohumil Hrabal’s adaptation. He chose the storybook “The Snowdrop Festival” unraveling the humorous tales of Kersko where Hrabal lived. The result was a tender comedy celebrating Czech cuisine, hunting, and camaraderie. On February 21st, thanks to the “Some Like It Czech” screening series, you’ll get the opportunity to watch this piece with English subtitles and a witty introduction at Kino Aero. Buy your tickets here. The movie “The Snowdrop Festival” (1983, watch the trailer) has a simple, yet very effective plot. Two hunting clubs from Kersko argue who has the right to the dead boar, shot in a thrilling chase right in front of the pupils of a local school. When they finally agree to feast on the catch-all together in a nearby lodge, a much more complicated question comes up. Should the wild boar be served with a rosehip sauce, or with sauerkraut? With Bohumil Hrabal’s inimitable narrative style and Jiří Menzel’s unique approach, a nostalgic but deeply human fresco unfolds before your eyes. The film combines the poetic with realistic description, stylized exaggeration with humorous detailing, happy...

 by Prague Morning Feb 12, 2024

240 Years of the Royal City of Prague

In 1784 under Joseph II, the four up-to-then independent Prague municipalities – Staré Město, Nové Město, Malá Strana, and Hradčany – merged into one single entity – the Royal City of Prague. The anniversary of the merger falls on 12th February. It was a big step to make Prague a more modern city. The four independent and still largely medieval towns had to merge into one single entity to be able to keep up with the modern world. Manufactories had to be built and they brought along a new lifestyle which attracted a lot of peasants into towns. After the merger, Prague became the second biggest city in the Habsburg Monarchy, the biggest one being Vienna. At that time, Prague covered 143 hectares and had a population of approximately 76,000 inhabitants. It might come as a surprise that most of the inhabitants of that time did not speak Czech. The new Royal Capital City was immediately divided into four districts labeled with Roman numerals: Staré Město, i.e. Old Town (Prague I), Nové Město, i.e. New Town (Prague II), Malá Strana, i.e. Lesser Town (Prague III) and Hradčany (Prague IV). The city administration and the city council had a seat in...

 by Veronica Vedernikova Feb 11, 2024

Masopust Carnival 2024 Lights Up Prague! Check Out the Full List of Events

Are you a lover of fun, good food, music, and dancing? If so, you must join the Masopust carnival this year! There are several options to pick from in Prague. You can follow tradition and wear a mask, or simply join in to experience the magical atmosphere. Prague is preparing for one of the most anticipated and colourful events of the year – Masopust 2024. This ancient holiday combines a masked parade with delicious food. Masopust serves as a celebration of the new economic and agricultural year. If you’d like to see it for yourself, here are some events you can attend in the Czech capital. Malá Strana Masopust Date: February 10th, 2024 Time: from 1 pm Where: starts in Loretánská Street, pub U Černého Vola The carnival parade will pass through the picturesque neighborhoods of Malá Strana and Hradčany, with refreshment stops along the way. The festivities will reach their peak at around 4 pm. Visitors can enjoy authentic Masopust specialties and traditional mulled wine. Masopust in Horní Počernice Date: February 10th, 2024 Time: from 2 pm till 5 pm Where: Horní Počernice Theatre, Chvaly Chateau Fun lovers cannot miss the parade with music, dance, and refreshments. Visitors can...

 by Jody Druce Feb 09, 2024

Akon to Light Up Prague with ‘The Superfan Tour’ in May!

Get ready to groove to the beats of Akon’s iconic hits like “Smack That,” “Play Hard,” and “Dangerous” as he brings his electrifying “The Superfan Tour” to Prague this May! Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Akon kicked off his musical journey two decades ago, captivating audiences worldwide with chart-toppers like “Locked Up” and “Lonely.” His debut album, “Trouble” (2004), followed by “Konvicted” in 2006, propelled him to international stardom, with tracks like “Smack That” even earning Grammy nominations. With the release of “Freedom” in 2008, Akon showcased a new sound, embracing Euro-pop influences. After an eleven-year hiatus, he returned with “El Negreeto” in 2019, followed by “Ain’t No Peace” in 2020, featuring collaborations with artists like Mali Music and Rick Ross, solidifying his status as a versatile and influential figure in the global music scene. Following the resounding success of his US tour, Akon is now set to captivate European audiences, with a much-anticipated stop in Prague on May 16th! LIVE Nations Club members have the exclusive opportunity to snag tickets starting Thursday, February 8th, at 10 am, with general pre-sale kicking off on Friday, February 9th, at 10 am. Date: May 16, 2024 Location: Prague, Forum Karlin Tickets here

 by Prague Morning Feb 08, 2024

OMD is Back to Form with a New Album and Show in Prague

OMD is among the best of the post-punk British synth-pop groups that arose in the late 70s-early 80s. Their 1980 debut is packed with tracks considered classics of the era including “Electricity,” and “Messages” while their second album includes their first hugely popular success in the US, “Enola Gay.” This First Wave of British synth-pop is still influential as it embraced electronica for a danceable pop music unafraid of experimentation and with intelligent lyrics, setting a high standard at that time among other groups like the Human League, New Order, Ultravox, Simple Minds and Visage. OMD at its core was and is still the lead voice of Andy McCluskey (also on bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals). This English duo unfortunately parted ways at the end of the 80s as McClusky carried on with a new OMD. However, none of the albums sans Humphreys match the OMD’s original heyday era, essentially their first four albums: “Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark” (1980); “Organisation” (1980); “Architecture & Morality” (1981), and “Dazzle Ships” (1983). “Architecture & Morality” should be considered their masterpiece with a combination of pop radio hits such as “Souvenir” or “Georgia” and sonically aggressive, edgier tracks as the opener...

 by Tony O. Feb 05, 2024

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