Customer Reviews

A Modern Czech Grammar

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The English speaking student of Czech has one distressing problem: grammar. Czech has seven cases that may call for variations in spelling of nouns depending on usage. Adjectives change to follow gender. Conjugation of verbs is critical as the verb form variations substitute for pronouns.

When it is no longer enough to be able to ask, "How far to the Charles Bridge," you must tackle the grammar. There is no better textbook. Students should take classes, if possible, as well. The use of the Harkins book by foreign language departments in American universities has probably been a fortunate stroke that kept it in print. It is priced like a college textbook. You would consider it a valuable addition to your library.

Fantastic resource! This book just tears through the basics in 30 chapters w/ ease. The only problem I can see is that the book hasn't been revised in some time. All the infinitives in the book end in "-ti" opposed to just "-t." But one can simply ignore the 'i" in the infinitive because the conjugations are the same.

As I slowly work my way through this book I continue to be impressed. It's a bit different from the typical grammar resource and I am sure that is related to the fact that it is not so 'modern' in 2010 as it was when it was first published. That's part of the charm I think. As anyone that is attempting this challenging language has learned, resources are not abundant and good resources are even more scarce. I highly recommend purchasing and working through this book. The used price is reasonable. A key to the exercises would be helpful (it was meant as as a textbook so the reason why not is clear) but not having one just makes one more careful in getting it right the first time. Again - different but recommended.

I bought this second-hand book in order to learn a little bit about the Czech language, for the purpose of understanding announcements made in an online classical music radio station emanating from the Czech Republic. I have used this book very little. It was delivered promptly, was in excellent shape (pristine used condition--no writing or markings) and was very reasonably priced.

I took away a rating star because of its age and stilted writing style. Yes, it _was_ Modern (note the title) at some time in its past :-). I would certainly order more books from this same supplier, without any hesitation.