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Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1897 HUMANITY
BENEVOLENCE
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 VOLUME 62 — NO. 20 MAY 22, 1974
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK WHY STUDY CZECH? Very often the question is asked, "Why' have you chosen Czecb, for your language?" The question most often comes from students at various universities, colleges and high schools, and at one time it pueeled me and I felt unable to give an adequate answer. After research on my part and discussing the matter with professors who are well versed on the faict that the general public is unaware of the opportunities that the Slavonic language and cultural field offers, I now feel I can answer quite clearly. When I was a young man growing up on the farm, something seemed to urge me to study and learn the Ouch language, because it is a clear and, logical language and is unquestionalaly one of the most beautiful when spoken well. It isl the key to the entire Slavspeaking world: actually a vast world that occupies over onesixth of the earth's surface and has over 200 minion souls. Technically speaking, there are twice as many people who speak the Slavonic languages as there are those who speak Spanish! In so many instances understanding Czech phrases, getting the main idea if not every word, of broadcasts from the Slav-speaking countries, being able to read good books, newspapers and literature,
MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY, MAY 27 HONOR OUR DEAD! BEHAVIOR OF AN EFFECTIVE LISTENER 7. He shows interest and alertness. 8. He does not interrupt. When he asks questions, they are to help clarify, not trap the speaker. 9. He does not quibble about words, he tries to get at what is meant. 10. He looks for areas of agreement, not for weak spots that he plans to attack. 11. He sums up what he understands was meant by the speaker before giving his answer. 12. He avoids responding "emotionally" to anything that is said. are the immediate results within the grasp of the average individual — a knowledge of one Slavonic language, be it Ctech, Russian, Polish, or any of the others, serves as a key to all the other languages. It will go a long way toward giving you an understanding of these elements in our country, as well as
an understanding of all Sla ys of Europe. It will give you many opportunities for service and will help you to contribute your part to international neighborliness which is so greatly needed today. Whether you enter the diplomatic service, work in the State Department, serve as a translator or teach these languages at some leading university or college, you will be filling a great need; a need which is felt more keenly every day. My best to you young boys and girls who are very much interested in learning higher education 174., the Czech language to be able to teach on the college or high school level; you are also to be commended for your endeavor! Rest assured that the editor has never regretted havixr,, knowledge of it in daily life, US service, business, radio broadcasting, on the stage, and especially now as your bilingual editor. • * This week we were happy to learn that, beginning in September, a course in Czech is being Planned at Hill Junior College in Hillsboro. Mr. Alden Smith and Eugene 1Vraroul of HJC advised us that Mr. James Mendl, doing graduate work at the U of T, will be the instructor. We wish them well and will certainly do all we can to be of help.