“I can’t speak German so I can’t communicate with them”: Language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and Germans

Human Affairs ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Petrjánošová
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Intergroup Contact ◽  
Iron Curtain ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Discursive Analysis ◽  
Border Regions ◽  
Feeling Thermometer ◽  
International Research Project

AbstractThe aim of this article is to present empirical findings about language use and attitudes in intergroup contact from one of the European borderlands along the former Iron Curtain more than twenty years after it fell. The data was collected as part of an international research project Intergroup attitudes and intergroup contact in five Central European countries, which concentrates on the interplay of intergroup contact and perceptions between members of neighbouring nations in the border regions of the Czech Republic and each of the neighbouring states—Slovakia, Poland, Austria and Germany. The main data collection method used is an online questionnaire with different attitude and evaluation scales, as well as a feeling thermometer of emotional relations and open statements (N=2900). In this text I use thematic and basic critical discursive analysis only on the open statements from the Czech (N=210) and German (N=152) borderlands about the situations of contact and the following evaluation of the Others. I show how the linguistic competence and also the interest in the language of the Other are distributed very unevenly; the implicit norm almost always being that the Czechs should speak German. Of course, this situation has in some cases strong emotional consequences.

Languages of borderlands, borders of languages: Native and foreign language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and their neighbours

Human Affairs ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Petrjánošová ◽  
Alicja Leix
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Intergroup Contact ◽  
International Project ◽  
Intergroup Attitudes ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Native Languages ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European

AbstractIn this article we present a qualitative analysis of empirical findings from an international project on intergroup attitudes and contact in five Central European countries specifically concerning language use. The project concentrated on the interplay of intergroup contact and perception between the members of national groups in the borderlands between the Czech Republic and Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. The open statements analysed here about the contact situations and the ensuing evaluation of the Others were collected as part of an online questionnaire (N=1959). After a short theoretical introduction we reveal the intertwined nature of construing language use: first in each specific borderland, then in the triads speaking together either in the native language of one of the groups (Czechs with Austrians and Germans) or with each speaking their own native languages (Czechs with Poles and Slovaks). Finally we highlight several effects we have observed as a result of being able to compare the situation in more than one neighbourhood, for instance, the effect of the different statuses of the languages involved, or the connection between the language used in contact and a feeling of proximity.

Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Onderco
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Actual Process ◽  
Iron Curtain ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Civil Military Relations ◽  
Military Forces ◽  
Joint Procurement ◽  
Military Relations ◽  
The Cold War

This chapter focuses on defence transformations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary since the end of the cold war. The three lesser powers of Central Europe all eventually joined NATO and the European Union, following the fall of the Iron Curtain. The process they underwent completely transformed their security strategies and military doctrines, but the plans to transform their military forces have developed slowly, and the actual process has been interrupted and incomplete. This chapter addresses the development of civil–military relations, the main milestones in the development of the respective states’ national security policies, and the main changes in the structure of military forces in each of these countries. Finally, the chapter looks at the nascent trends towards military cooperation between the three countries, including military sharing and joint procurement.

E-books in the Czech Republic: Analysis of demand and readers’ behaviour

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522198936
Author(s):  
Viktor Prokop ◽  
Jan Stejskal
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Unique Data ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Currently, there is a more frequent replacement of books by e-books, which have become an increasingly viable format and make it easier for readers to read books in a variety of places. Public libraries therefore focus more often on the provision of e-books as one of the components of their digital services. However, these services do not always meet with an adequate demand from readers due to several factors, such as service charges or a lack of awareness. Therefore, in this article, the authors focus on the demand side, represented by e-book readers. Specifically, they focus on the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-book readers’ behaviour and propose a three-step research model. It consists of analyses focusing on: (1) the specifics of the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-book readers; (2) e-book readers’ interest in borrowing e-books; and (3) e-book readers’ interest in the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-service when they must pay a fee. As a data source, the authors use unique data from an online questionnaire survey among readers of the Municipal Library of Prague in 2019 by the Sociores agency. The results show that science fiction and fantasy readers represent the most significant group of e-book readers at the Municipal Library of Prague, and that Facebook is the most significant channel for communication with e-book readers. The authors also confirm the importance of e-book readers and smartphones as devices that significantly affect readers’ decision to read e-books. In the final part of the article, the authors propose some practical recommendations that could attract more e-book readers.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of the Perception of the Role of a Social Worker in Hospitals in the Czech Republic and Slovakia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
P. Laca ◽  
s. Laca
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Social Worker ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Slovak Republic ◽  
University Education ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Social

This research study is focused on the perception of the role of asocial worker by hospital nurses in the Czech and Slovak Re- public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim of the study:The main aim of the research study was to find the opinions of nurses from the Czech and Slovak Repub- lic on asocial worker who works in ahospital during acoron- avirus - COVID-19 pandemic and then compare their opinions in helping patients Research sample and setting:The research sample of the study consisted of 75 nurses with higher professional education (Czech Republic), university education of the first and second degree (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic), who were together with social workers in the front line in hospitals at the time of the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19. All participating respon- dents were informed about the purpose of the research study and the completion of the online questionnaire. Statistical analysis:The mathematical-statistical method chi- square test of the independence of the criteria of individual re- search hypotheses was used to compare the interviewed re- spondents in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Results of the study:Medical staff at the time of the COVID- 19 pandemic was satisfied with the social worker, as evidenced by the research study and their answers in the questionnaire survey. It is clear from the results of the research survey that the participants perceived the social worker positively during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals How Bark Beetle Attack Changes the Tensile and Compressive Strength of Spruce Wood (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.)

Forests ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Radim Löwe ◽  
Miroslav Sedlecký ◽  
Adam Sikora ◽  
Anna Prokůpková ◽  
Roman Modlinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Picea Abies ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Spruce Wood ◽  
Mechanical And Physical Properties ◽  
Individual Trees

Since 2014, forestry in the Czech Republic has been significantly affected by a bark beetle outbreak. The volume of infested trees has exceeded processing capacity and dead standing spruce (Picea abies) remain in the forest stands, even for several years. What should be done with this bark beetle wood? Is it necessary to harvest it in order to preserve the basic mechanical and physical properties? Is it possible to store it under standard conditions, or what happens to it when it is “stored” upright in the forest? These are issues that interested forest owners when wood prices were falling to a minimum (i.e., in 2018–2019) but also today, when the prices of quality wood in Central European conditions are rising sharply. To answer these questions, we found out how some of the mechanical properties of wood change in dead, bark beetle-infested trees. Five groups of spruce wood were harvested. Each of these groups was left upright in the forest for a specified period of time after bark beetle infestation, and one group was classified as a reference group (uninfested trees). Subsequently, we discovered what changes occurred in tensile and compressive strength depending on the time left in the stand and the distance from the center of the trunk. When selecting samples, we eliminated differences between individual trees using a CT scanning technique, which allowed us to separate samples, especially with different widths of annual rings and other variations that were not caused by bark beetle. The results showed the effect of log age and radial position in the trunk on tensile and compressive strength. The values for tensile strength in 3-year infested trees decreased compared to uninfested trees by 14% (from 93.815 MPa to 80.709 MPa); the values for compressive strength then decreased between the same samples by up to 25.6% (from 46.144 MPa to 34.318 MPa). A significant decrease in values for compressive strength was observed in the edges of the trunks, with 44.332 MPa measured in uninfested trees and only 29.750 MPa in 3-year infested trees (a decrease of 32.9%). The results suggest that the use of central timber from bark beetle-infested trees without the presence of moulds and fungi should not be problematic for construction purposes.

scholarly journals The Attractiveness of Selected Central European Countries for Winter Sports and Mountain Hiking

Turyzm ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Kinga Krzesiwo ◽  
Kamila Ziółkowska-Weiss ◽  
Michał Żemła
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Mass Scale ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Mountainous Areas ◽  
Winter Sports ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Downhill Skiing ◽  
Visegrad Group

Abstract Hiking, downhill skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular forms of active tourism in mountainous areas. Their popularity and their mass scale do not only result from the presence of the appropriate landscape, but also from its appropriate development. The objective of the article is to attempt to assess the attractiveness of selected Central European countries in terms of winter sports and mountain hiking, to consider the opinions of students who live in Visegrad Group countries, as well as to evaluate the barriers to development of their competitive offers. According to respondents, the most attractive countries for winter sports are Austria and Slovakia, and the least attractive are Hungary, Romania and Lithuania. In turn, according to the students, the best conditions for mountain hiking are in Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. In addition, respondents from particular countries assessed domestic offers highly.

scholarly journals Effect of different agronomical measures on yield and quality of autumn saved herbage during winter grazing – 2nd communication: Crude protein, energy and ergosterol concentration

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 271-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. OPITZ VON BOBERFELD ◽  
K. BANZHAF ◽  
F. HRABE ◽  
J. SKLADANKA ◽  
S. KOZLOWSKI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Protein Energy ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Adequate Quantity

In addition to the results published in the first communication (Opitz von Boberfeld et al., 2006) this paper presents crude protein, energy (ME) and ergosterol concentrations of autumn saved herbage at different sites in Central Germany, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Within these sites, the influence of the factors pre-utilisation and winter harvest date was tested over three consecutive years. Related to the different climatic conditions of the sites, crude protein concentrations of the growths pre-utilised in July varied from 149 g/kg in November to 134 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in January. The influence of climatic conditions was different on each location and varied depending on the year. Generally, the consistent effect of the factor “site” related to altitude could not be observed. While the energy concentrations decreased with advancing winter and partly reached the values below 6 MJ ME/kg of DM in January, the ergosterol concentrations increased. The results demonstrate that under Central European conditions autumn saved herbage, pre-utilised in July, could provide adequate quantity and quality for suckler cows until December. Afterwards, the utilisation of preserved forages becomes essential.  

scholarly journals Photojournalism in Central Europe

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (s2) ◽  
pp. 7-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Láb ◽  
Sandra Štefaniková
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
News Production ◽  
Traditional Concept ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Current State ◽  
News Organizations ◽  
Working Practices ◽  
New Challenges

Abstract The adoption of digital technologies, along with current economic realities, has affected the entire process of visual news production. It has also influenced the traditional concept of photojournalism. As a result, news photographers face multiple new challenges. Although visual news material is becoming ever more important, news organizations have cut back on employment, leaving those few who remain employed with additional workload and responsibilities. Based on interviews with photojournalists and photo editors, this article examines the current state of photojournalism and editorial processes in three Central European countries – the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Findings indicate that photojournalists and photo editors face ongoing developments in the photographic medium that significantly affect their working practices and routines. At the same time, they must deal with increasing workload, new responsibilities, competition and the challenges of maintaining quality in the digital age.

scholarly journals Geotourism and the 21st Century–NTOs’ Website Information Availability on Geotourism Resources in Selected Central European Countries: International Perspective

Resources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Rozenkiewicz ◽  
Krzysztof Widawski ◽  
Zdzisław Jary
Keyword(s):  
International Perspective ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Online Information ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Information Availability ◽  
Contemporary World ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Different Levels

The power of the Internet as a communicative and promotional tool in the contemporary world of tourism is unquestionable. Nevertheless, the context of online information availability referring to geotourism and georesources is very rarely addressed in the academic literature. This article undertakes research into the online information availability on georesources presented on the official websites of the National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of three selected Central European countries with similar geotourism conditions, namely the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia. Their NTOs underwent a descriptive content analysis in order to highlight the dominating trends in the online presentation of georesources. As concluded in the article, information on geotourism resources available online is rather dispersed, as it is usually presented under divergent umbrella terms. Therefore, measures need to be taken to present a holistic online picture of geoheritage on an international level of availability, where certain pieces of geotourism-related information correspond with each other, accurately applying the system of hyperlinks. The research outcomes and suggestions for the future may find applicable use for various stakeholders of the tourism industry, especially the authorities responsible for different levels of its promotion.

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