Dear Editor,
Mr. Kevin Guerrier [Letters to the Editor Vol.7 No. 28, July 16-29] has just joined the army of anti-Slovaks. Although I admit that there is a long way to go in improving services and there are indeed many incidents as described in Mr. Guerrier's letter, I wonder what would happen if you tried to speak Slovak in Germany, Austria, or in the USA and expected friendly service or prompt help?
Coming to Slovakia with an arrogant attitude, fuelled by anti-Slovakism, only perpetuates the myth about the unfriendliness of Slovaks. I wonder why Slovaks have to learn every foreign tourist's language, and why foreigners feel they have a divine right to expect Slovaks to speak their native tongue. I have many times observed the rude behaviour of foreigners living in or visiting Slovakia disregarding local customs. If they do not get the same service as 'back home' they immediately complain and elevate their dissatisfaction to the level of a 'political scandal'.
Juraj Kubove
Houston, Texas
