Joshua Datko in Bratislava. (source: Archive of J. D.)
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Being Slovak and usually learning two different foreign languages in primary and secondary school so as to not get lost in the world, it is always a nice surprise to meet a foreigner who learns, and even speaks, Slovak.
Born in Pennsylvania, Joshua Datko is one of those foreigners. But he is also a third-generation Slovak. When The Slovak Spectator spoke with him online, he pretty much opened the conversation with two near perfect Slovak sentences, underscored with his American accent. (He left a very good first impression.)
"Pretty much everyone I've met, when I try to speak Slovak, I get a nice smile. The people are friendly. They're encouraging, ask questions. It's a nice experience," he said.
He also tried learning German, but did not enjoy it as much.
"I feel like when I'm learning Slovak, people are much more appreciative when you are learning the language," he added.
This is your Slovak side
Datko's great-grandparents came from Slovakia. He was born into a large family of seven children - he is the oldest - to a father who himself was one of ten siblings.
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Growing up, he knew about the connection to Slovakia, as his parents would tell him when they did something that came from the Slovak side of the family. For example, he used to paint eggs, which are called 'kraslice' in Slovak.
"On New Year's Eve we would wait for midnight, run outside and then bang pots and pans very loudly. I have yet to meet someone from Slovakia who knows this tradition or have done it, so I'm not quite sure if it got incorporated from other immigrants while they [his parents] lived in Pennsylvania," he pointed out.
Banging pots is believed to have started in Ireland. Today, it is practised in many other nations. Not in Slovakia, however.
It was about two years ago when Datko learned from his friend about the change in the Slovak law that allowed dual citizenship. This friend, who had known about his Slovak heritage, prompted Datko to look into it.
"I never thought this was an option," he said, adding that this really kick-started the reinvestigation of his roots.
Language, language, language
He figured that if he was going through the process, he should learn some of the language.
"I quickly got to the point where I could maybe order 'zmrzlina' [an ice cream] in Bratislava, that didn't take long, but I felt compelled to keep learning. I'm still a beginner, but I have read Harry Potter in Slovak, for example. I feel like if I'm going to pursue this connection, the language is also important to pursue," he said.
Datko openly admits that he is okay with 'making a fool of himself' as he is not as focused on grammar as he is on getting an idea across.
What really helped him in learning the language were streaming services, particularly Disney Plus.
"I have two young daughters, they're very much fans of Disney. I have seen the English versions of films hundreds of times, so I already know what they're saying in English. Now I can watch them in Slovak and understand everything because I know the script well. I can't speak for the translations itself but it's there."
In addition to watching films, Datko also opted to learn Slovak with online tutors. A few can be found in New York and Pittsburgh. In the past, these were the cities where Slovak immigrants settled when they arrived in the US. So far, he has had good experiences.
Finding the right place
Related to this is Datko's new side project, a company called Tatra Tales, the goal of which is to import Slovak books into the US.
"I was very frustrated that at my level of Slovak, reading Sme [a Slovak daily, ed.] for example was challenging, but available books are too easy. But I'm kind of in this middle level and I tried to find books that were in that level."
However, he admits that so far he has not had a lot of success finding a market group. Although he has come across independent young adult book authors at the level that would help him, there is one problem. "Not to be too cynical, but generally most people don't read books. To find a book that is in a different language that you're trying to learn is even a bigger commitment," he said.
But he is hopeful because he thinks there are other people like him who are interested in reading books written in Slovak.
"That being said, my initial thought was books because I do like reading. I like books, but I don't know if that is the right medium," Datko explained and added that there might be other things he could try to import. For example, he has a watch from Slovak company Biatec, and as an amateur competitive shooter he wields a Slovak gun. He is proud of both. Also, both make for a conversation starter.
"Usually the first question is where is Slovakia? Unfortunately, this is still the question, but it is a nice intro to talk about it. I guess I feel almost like an unofficial ambassador, I want to give a good image of Slovakia," he said.
What usually comes to people's mind when he mentions Slovakia is Czechoslovakia, or folk traditions. Seeing something outside of that narrow spectrum is therefore interesting for them, according to Datko.
A trip of a lifetime
"I think I'm still figuring it out for myself. As I started to pursue my roots, I realised there was so much more about Slovakia that caught my interest," the American said.
His trip to the village of Pohorelá on the foothills of the Low Tatra mountain range in central Slovakia left a long lasting mark on him.
Since he did not know anyone in the village, he contacted an author of the village papers and said that he had a family connection and that he would like to come. That person said that Datko could stay with their mother-in-law for four days. In addition, the person took time off from work, guided Datko around, showed him everything and was very interested his story.
"I was blown away by the hospitality, I really can't imagine if somebody emailed me and said 'I'm going to Colorado, my family was there, can I stay with you?' I have to admit, I would be a little nervous," Datko said.
"But this person completely opened the door. I got to experience lots of Slovak food, "slivovica" [home-made plum brandy], "krčma" [a pub]. I got the heads up to eat a lot before going to the Slovak pub. There are very happy memories. I saw the gravestone of my great uncle. It was probably one of those trips that I will never forget."
Datko's immediate family are supportive of his exploring his family's past. Since his wife is an immigrant herself, she understands. As for their kids, they are being slowly introduced to customs.
"They're still at an age where they like what their dad does, so they're very receptive. They put their boots out for Mikuláš [on December 5, the day before Mikuláš, children clean their boots and put them on windowsill before going to bed, expecting gifts the next morning, ed.]; we have a modified Easter where I spray them with a water sprayer and they very much look forward to the next day when they spray me."
The kids' first international trip was actually to Slovakia this April. They went to Devín Castle; although it rained that day, they had the castle entirely to themselves. In addition, they visited Bibiana, a children's art museum, and the Aurelium science centre, the American recalled.
Reason for optimism
In addition to Slovak dailies, Datko is an avid reader of The Slovak Spectator. Coincidentally, he particularly likes the Weekend series, even though he is not in Slovakia to enjoy the events; for him it is just nice to see all the things that are happening.
If there is one thing that Datko draws criticism to - and this is not specific to The Slovak Spectator - it is that in his opinion the Slovak news in general tends to be kind of negative.
He understands the context and where it comes from, but still thinks there is a lot of to be cheerful about, such as the ample examples of people supporting initiatives to help Ukraine voluntarily.
"I do have a lot of hope in people's goodwill, them organising good things. That's where I see the optimism," Datko concluded.
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