‘In Pittsburgh, my accent sounds familiar to people’

Older Americans in the Pittsburgh area remember some Slovak phrases even today.

Renáta Kamenárová teaches Slovak at the University of Pittsburgh. She has also co-written several "Krížom krážom" textbooks, which are used by those teaching Slovak to foreigners. Renáta Kamenárová teaches Slovak at the University of Pittsburgh. She has also co-written several "Krížom krážom" textbooks, which are used by those teaching Slovak to foreigners. (Source: Archive of R. K. )

In the summer, Renáta Kamenárová became the new head of the Slovak Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh. It is the only programme of its kind in the US.

On the Spectator College podcast, she speaks about her rich experience in teaching Slovak to foreigners, including amusing moments.

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American professor Benjamin Sorensen, who has been learning Slovak for several years, explains what he finds most difficult about the Slovak language and shares his favourite Slovak words such as dreľej.

Exam topic: The countries whose language I am learning

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Other study materials:

Parents did not want them to speak Slovak, but “totally Americanised” old boys are giving it a try Read more  Glossary: Slovak immigrants’ language declined as they helped build America Read more 

The Spectator College is a programme designed to support the study and teaching of English in Slovakia, as well as to inspire interest in important public issues among young people.

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