Colloquial Slovak: The Complete Course for Beginners

I purchased this book before going to Slovakia for the second time...this time I was alone without my English-speaking friends to interpret for me. Having only minimal knowledge of the language, this book taught me things I didn't think I'd ever pick up (such as proper grammer, which is difficult in this language). My friends in Slovakia were amazed at my knowledge of their language in such a short amount of time. I definitely recommend this book for anyone (even raw beginners) traveling over there.

I learned Slovak with this book and now read at an intermediate level and speak at a beginning level. I've been to Slovakia several times and successfully used what I learned. The cassettes provided pronunciation guides and speaking practice that work in Bratislava (I can't vouch for other dialects). What more do you want from a language book?Some of the other reviewers criticize this book for not being a systematic grammar. That's fair, since it's not a systematic grammar (though it does have grammar tables in the appendix). By introducing some major grammar points gradually over several chapters, it can be frustrating as a reference source.As a learning tool, however, there's a lot to be said for introducing things slowly. If you work systematically through this book and its exercises, and repeat (or memorize) dialogues, you'll learn Slovak. Some of the material is boring ("Zuzka hears a train crossing the bridge") though Naughton occasionally livens things up ("Don't be afraid! Kiss me!"). I'm not sure that any language-book texts can really be exciting. However, if I were giving Naughton advice, I'd add more paragraph-length texts about Slovakia and its people, along the lines of the Bratislava texts late in the book.

I am pleased to know that such a book about slovak language is out there. It is practical and easy to use. I congratulate to people who study this beautiful language. I am a slovakian myself and if there is someone who needs my help or guideness please let me know. I would love to help someone to learn Slovak language. ([email protected])

I've been looking for such a book for a very long time. My grandfather is from Slovakia and the only word I coud tell him were in Czech or Polish. The book shows clearly how the language works. Good tapes also. Slovak language deserved such a good book.

This set of tapes and the book was just what I was looking for. I wasn't just looking for another phrase book telling me how to say, "Where is the train station?" This set actually teaches you the basics of how to speak the language. Finally some real help. I highly recommend it.