SURVIVAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR A FOREIGNER IN SLOVAKIA

It is always very nice of somebody who comes from abroad, when he or she is willing to learn a few new words in a local language. Have you already tried to say something in Slovak, the most used words, like „Hello“ („Ahoj/ Dobrý deň“), „Thank you“ („Ďakujem“) or „Please“ („Prosím“) ? When you try to say something in our language, the people are pleased and you can draw a smile on their face.

Please, do not act like everybody should speak english, it is not obligatory to speak this language. Even when there is a huge number of people in the entire world who are able to speak english, even when it is used in many areas, many fields of human activity, from sience, through the art, industry, medicine etc. The only important and universal language is a strong willingness to understand each other. Sometimes the words are speechless but the hearts understand each other very well.

Please, be patient, slovak people are usually really trying to understand and help you, but sometimes it happens, they are either very shy to talk in a foreign language or they do not speak english or your language that well so it takes them longer time to express their thoughts or to answer your questions.

Please when you go to bank or some office, take some translator or interpreter with you, as it is not commanded or provided by law, that people in these institutions should speak english.

Slovak people can be very friendly, when you also talk to them nicely or in a polite way, and when you do not superordinate yourself over them.

If you have any hobbies, share them with others, they might be interested in them and willing to join you next time. Or you may find out, you have a lot of hobbies in common with them.

You should know that the draft beer in Slovakia is usually stronger than beers in some other countries. Nobody likes it when people (does not matter if locals or immigrants) get too much drunk and when they just shout in the streets or do strange or forbidden things in public. So when you try to behave not like an animal but like a human, then others will treat you like that as well.

The easiest way to survive is to follow others, their actions, behaviour… instead of standing out from the crowd.