European Language Monitor (ELM 3) Questionnaire 2013 results

1.1 List each official language in your country, and mark if the language is officially used nationalwide or in certain regions of the country.

Language 1: Czech

Use:: National / Regional

1.2 What percentage of the population uses the language as a first language?

Use in percentages:: >75%

1.3 In what language(s) are the Constitution and laws in your country written?

Language 1: Czech

1.3.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.3: One must distinguish between official language and minority language(s),
used unofficially.

Slovak language may be used officially, without translation into Czech,
Although Czech in official documents is used also for Slovaks

1.4 Are there languages, other than the official languages you mentioned under 1.2, that can be used in regional courts, regional parliaments, and/or regional administrations?

Yes

Yes No N/A

1.4.1 Which languages?

1.0: Slovak, see 1.3 comment

1.4.2 Paste relevant sources here (in original language and in english)

Original language: no input

English translation: no input

1.4.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.4: The use of Slovak is generally allowed and accepted, though it is not the recipient language.

1.5 Are there other autochthonous (indigenous) languages in your country, not mentioned in your answers to questions 1.1 to 1.4?

Yes

Yes No N/A

1.5.1 Which languages?

1.0: Polish

2.0: German

3.0: Romani

1.5.2 Paste relevant sources here (in original language and inenglish)

Original language: no input

English translation: no input

1.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.5: Except for Polish these languages are not concentrated to a specific
region but dispersed over the country.

1.6 Which are the three main languages (in terms of number of users) spoken by first- and second-generation immigrants in your country?

1.0: Romani

2.0: Slovak

3.0: Ukarinan

1.6.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.6: There are many Roma people who have recently joined the
autochthonous Roma, hence Romani is spoken both by the old residents
and new immigrants. There are some third-generation Greeks plus
a bilingual Polish minority and a small German minority.

1.7(a) Except for your own country, in which other countries of the European Union is/are your official language(s) also regarded as an official language?

Country 1: none

Country 2: none

Country 1: N/A

1.7(b) In which countries outside the European Union is/are your official language(s) also regarded as an official language?

Country 1 (outside the European Union): None

Country 1 (outside the European Union): N/A

1.7(c) Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.7: Czech is used unofficially by small minorities, e.g. in Poland, Rumania,
Ukraine, USA, Canada, Serbia etc., and, it is generally accepted in
Slovakia, often without any need of translation.

1.8 Has your country ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages?

Yes

Yes No N/A

1.8.1 Which regional and/or minority languages does your country officially recognise?

Slovak, Polish, German, Romani

1.8.2 What reservations concerning the charter were raised by your country?

none

1.8.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.8: -

1.9 Has your country signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities?

Yes

Yes No N/A

1.9.1 What provisions relating to this Convention were made by your country?

No input

1.9.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.9: The Framework Convention has been translated into Czech, approved by
the Parliament, thus it is valid. Government Council for National
Minorities has been established.

2.1 Does the Constitution of your country state what the official/national/main languages are?

No

Yes No N/A

2.1.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) of the Constitution in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.1.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.1.3 Comments on 2.1.1

2.2 Is there a language law stipulating what language is (or what languages are) to be used in official matters?

Yes

Yes No N/A

2.2.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) of the language law(s) in the original language and in English including the exact reference.

Original language: V řízení se jedná a písemnosti se vyhotovují v českém jazyce. Účastníci řízení mohou jednat a písemnosti mohou být předkládány i v jazyce slovenském. / Správní řád č 500/2004 Sb, § 16

English translation: The language of proceedings and documents shall be the Czech language. The parties to proceedings may act and the documents may be submitted and in the language Slovak / Administrative Set of Rules No5/2004 Coll., Section 16

2.2.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.2.3 Comments on 2.2.1

2.2.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

2.3 Is there any legislation other than the Constitution or a language law that defines the use of language(s) in government, public administration and/or judiciary institutions?

Yes

Yes No N/A

2.3.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Original language: Hlava třetí
Práva národnostních a etnických menšin
Článek 24
Příslušnost ke kterékoli národnostní nebo etnické menšině nesmí být nikomu na újmu.

Článek 25
(1) Občanům tvořícím národní nebo etnické menšiny se zaručuje všestranný rozvoj, zejména právo společně s jinými příslušníky menšiny rozvíjet vlastní kulturu, právo rozšiřovat a přijímat informace v jejich mateřském jazyku a sdružovat se v národnostních sdruženích. Podrobnosti stanoví zákon.
(2) Občanům příslušejícím k národnostním a etnickým menšinám se za podmínek stanovených zákonem zaručuje též
a) právo na vzdělání v jejich jazyku,
b) právo užívat jejich jazyka v úředním styku,
c) právo účasti na řešení věcí týkajících se národnostních a etnických menšin. Source: Listina základních práv a svobod/ Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

English translation: Article 24
The national or ethnic identity of any individual shall not be used to his or her detriment.

Article 25
(1) Citizens who constitute national or ethnic minorities are guaranteed all- round development, in particular the right to develop with other members of the minority their own culture, the right to disseminate and receive information in their language, and the right to associate in ethnic associations. Detailed provisions in this respect shall be set by law.

(2) Citizens constituting national and ethnic minorities are also guaranteed under conditions set by law
a) the right to education in their language,
b) the right to use their language in official contact,
c) the right to participate in the settlement of matters concerning the national and ethnic minorities.
Source: Listina základních práv a svobod/ Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

2.3.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.3.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.3: Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms which is a part of the
constitutional order of the Czech Republic

2.4 Does your country have a compulsory test or examination that includes a language test in (one of) the national/official language(s) which has to be passed in order to obtain citizenship?

No

Yes No N/A

2.4.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.4.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.4.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.4: No, but most probably will be approved soon, its validity is expected and planned as of January 2014.

2.5 Does your country offer instruction with regard to which national/official language(s) have to be mastered in order to obtain citizenship?

Yes

Yes No N/A

2.5.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: Státní občanství České republiky může
(nikoli musí) Ministerstvo vnitra na žádost
udělit pouze osobě (cizinci nebo osobě bez
státního občanství), která splňuje současně
následující podmínky:
1. má na území České republiky ke dni podání žádosti po dobu nejméně pěti let povolen trvalý pobyt a po tuto dobu se zde převážně zdržuje
2. prokáže, že nabytím státního občanství České republiky pozbude své dosavadní občanství, nebo prokáže, že pozbyla své dosavadní občanství, nejde-li o osobu bez státního občanství nebo osobu s přiznaným postavením uprchlíka; doklad o pozbytí dosavadního státního občanství se obstarává až poté, co Ministerstvo vnitra vydá žadateli tzv. příslib udělení státního občanství České republiky
3. nebyla v posledních pěti letech odsouzena pro úmyslný trestný čin (prokazuje se výpisem z rejstříku trestů v ČR, výpis z rejstříku trestů žadatele si Ministerstvo vnitra obstarává formou dálkového přístupu podle zvláštního právního předpisu, nepředkládá jej žadatel)
4. prokáže pohovorem před příslušným úřadem znalost českého jazyka (nevztahuje se na žadatele, který je nebo byl státním občanem Slovenské republiky)
5. plní povinnosti vyplývající z ustanovení zvláštního právního předpisu upravujícího pobyt a vstup cizinců na území České republiky (zákon č. 326/1999 Sb., o pobytu cizinců na území České republiky a o změně některých zákonů, ve znění pozdějších předpisů) a povinnosti vyplývající ze zvláštních předpisů upravujících veřejné zdravotní pojištění, sociální zabezpečení, důchodové pojištění, daně, odvody a poplatky

Quotation in English: The Ministry of the Interior may (but is not obliged to) grant nationality of the Czech Republic only to persons satisfying all of the following conditions:
1. he/she has been lawfully permanently residing in the Czech Republic for a period of at least five years as of the date of application and whose residence was more or less continuous;
2. he/she proves that by being granted nationality of the Czech Republic he/she will lose their current nationality or proves that they have lost his/her current nationality - unless the person is a stateless person or a recognised refugee; a document proving loss of nationality is obtained after the Ministry of the Interior issues to the applicant a promise to grant Czech nationality;
3. he/she has not been within the last five years sentenced for wilful criminal offences (this is proved by submission of an extract from the Criminal Records Register of the Czech Republic);
4. he/she proves in interview at the relevant authority their knowledge of the Czech language (this does not apply to an applicant who is or who was a citizen of the Slovak Republic), and
5. he/she meets all obligations arising from the provisions of a special legal regulation governing the entry into and residence in the Czech Republic (Act No. 326/1999 Coll. on the Residence of Aliens in the Czech Republic and on the Amendment to Some Other Acts, as amended) as well as obligations resulting from special provisions regulating public health insurance, social security, pension insurance, taxes, and other mandatory fees.

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): Source : official website of the Ministry of the Interior

2.5.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

Not authorized

2.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.5: See on http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/granting-nationality-of-the-czech-republic.aspx

2.6 Does your country have a compulsory examination or test with regard to which (one of the) national language(s) have to be mastered in order to obtain permanent residency (i.e. without becoming a citizen of your country)?

Yes

Yes No N/A

2.6.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: Doklad o zkoušce z ČJ
• Doklad prokazující požadovanou znalost českého jazyka musí být vydán školou, která je uvedena v seznamu škol oprávněných provádět zkoušky znalosti českého jazyka stanoveném vyhláškou Ministerstva školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy č. 348/2008 Sb., o výuce a zkouškách znalosti českého jazyka pro účely získání povolení k trvalému pobytu na území České republiky (pdf, 847 kB). Seznam škol, na kterých je možno zkoušku složit, je též k dispozici na jednotlivých pracovištích MV ČR.

• Doklad prokazující požadovanou znalost českého jazyka se nevyžaduje od cizince, který
o nedosáhl věku 15 let,
o prokáže, že v průběhu 20 let předcházejících podání žádosti o povolení trvalého pobytu byl nejméně 1 školní rok nepřetržitě žákem základní anebo střední školy nebo nejméně 1 akademický rok studoval vysokou školu s českým vyučovacím jazykem anebo studijní program zaměřený na český jazyk na vysoké škole
o prokáže, že absolvoval jinou obecně uznávanou zkoušku z českého jazyka, která svou náročností dosahuje minimálně úrovně stanovené vyhláškou Ministerstva školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy [§182a odst. 2 písm.a)], pokud je tato skutečnost Ministerstvem školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy potvrzena,
o prokáže, že má tělesné nebo mentální postižení, mající vliv na jeho schopnost komunikovat, nebo
o dosáhl věku 60 let.
• První pokus vykonání zkoušky je cizinci hrazen státem, a to na základě poukazu, který bude cizinci vystaven na kterémkoli pracovišti MV ČR. Poukaz lze cizinci vydat pouze jedenkrát.

Quotation in English: Czech language exam
The certificate proving the required knowledge of the Czech language must be issued by a school recorded in the list of schools authorised to carry out examinations of the Czech language stipulated by the Decree of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports No. 348/2008 Coll., on Instruction and Examinations in the Czech Language for the Purposes of Obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit in the Czech Republic (pdf, 847 kB). The list of schools where it is possible to take the exam is also available at individual MOI offices.
• A certificate proving the required knowledge of the Czech language is not requested from a foreign national who
o is under 15 years of age,
o can prove that in the 20 years preceding his/her application for permanent residence, he/she continuously attended a primary or secondary school for at least 1 scholastic year or that he/she studied at a higher education institute with lessons in the Czech language for at least 1 academic year or a study programme at a higher education institute focusing on Czech language
o proves that he/she graduated in a different universally accepted exam of Czech language, which is at least as demanding as the level specified in the Decree of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports [§ 182a/2/a], if this fact is acknowledged by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
o proves that he/she has a physical or mental handicap affecting his/her ability to communicate, or
o is over 60 years old.

• The first attempt at taking the exam is paid for by the state on the basis of a voucher that is issued to the foreign national at any MOI office. The voucher can only be used once.

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): Source : official website of the Ministry of the Interior (authorization not answered)

2.6.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

Not authorized

2.6.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.6: See: http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/czech-language-exam.aspx

2.7 Does the government of your country provide instruction, with regard to which (one of the) national/official language(s) have to be masted in order to obtain permanent residency?

Yes

Yes No N/A

2.7.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: See 2.5

Quotation in English: See 2.5

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): See 2.5 (authorization not answered)

2.7.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

Not authorized

2.7.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

A standardised exam for obtaining citizenship is just being prepared,
and, consequently, the legislation will be amended.

3.1 Is there any regulation in your country that gives the official language(s) a declared status as a medium of instruction in primary schools?

Yes

Yes No N/A

3.1.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: Vyučovacím jazykem je jazyk český

Quotation in English: The language of instruction shall be the Czech language

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): Source : Školský zákon č. 561/2004 Sb/ Education Act §13/1)

3.1.2 Please state which languages are used as mediums of language instruction.

3.1.3 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.1.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 3.1: Answer and Comment relating to 3.1.2.:Czech and Polish in Polish medium schools / All the language minorities mentioned above have a right to partial
tuition in their mother tongues.

3.2 Are there other (regional or local) regulations concerning the use of the official or other languages as mediums of instruction in primary schools?

Yes

Yes No N/A

3.2.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: Příslušníkům národnostních menšin se zajišťuje právo na vzdělávání v jazyce
národnostní menšiny.

Quotation in English: Members of national minorities shall have the right to be educated in the language of the relevant national minority

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): Source : Školský zákon č. 561/2004 Sb § 13 / Education Act §13

3.2.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.2.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

3.3 Is there any regulation in your country that gives the official language(s) a declared status as mediums of instruction in secondary schools?

Yes

Yes No N/A

3.3.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: Příslušníkům národnostních menšin se zajišťuje právo na vzdělávání v jazyce národnostní menšiny

Quotation in English: Members of national minorities shall have the right to be educated in the language of the relevant national minority

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): Source : Školský zákon č. 561/2004 Sb § 13/2/ Education Act §13/1

3.3.2 Please state which languages are used as languages of instruction.

3.3.3 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.3.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

3.4 Are there other (regional or local) regulations concerning the use of the official or other languages as mediums of instruction in secondary schools?

No

Yes No N/A

3.4.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

3.4.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.4.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

4.1 Is there any regulation in your country that gives the official langauge(s) a declared status as mediums of instruction at university level?

No

Yes No N/A

4.1.1 Please state which languages are used as languages of instruction.

In fact only Czech and English are used - but it could be other languages as well.

4.1.2 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

4.1.3 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

4.1.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

4.2 Are there any (national, regional, local, or other) regulations about the language in which bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral courses and programs should be taught?

No

Yes No N/A

4.2.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

4.2.2 Are there other (regional or local) regulations concerning the language of instruction in university research programs?

No

Yes No N/A

4.2.2 Please quote the relevant article(s) in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

4.2.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

4.3 Select the five biggest universities of your country (by means of number of students) covering all academic fields (humanities, social sciences and natural sciences).

4.3.1 What percentage of the master’s programs in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.3.2 What percentage of the master’s programs for the humanities in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.3.3 What percentage of the master’s programs for social sciences in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.3.4 What percentage of the master’s programs for mathematics and natural sciences in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.3.5 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.3: No input in the scheme
The five biggest universities are:
Charles University
Masaryk University
Palacký University
University of South Bohemia
University of West Bohemia

4.4 Select the five biggest universities of your country (by means of number of students) covering all academic fields (humanities, social sciences and natural sciences).

4.4.1 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.4.2 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in the humanities in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.4.3 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in the social sciences in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.4.4 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in the mathematics and natural sciences in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer

Between 0-25%

Between 26-50%

Between 51-75%

More than 75%

4.4.5 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.4: apparently no input

4.5 Are there any regulations about the language in which a PhD (doctoral) dissertation should be written?

No

Yes No N/A

4.5.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

4.5.2 Is the English translation of the quotation autorized?

4.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

4.6 If PhD dissertations can be written In English, is it compulsory to add a summary in the official language or one of the official languages of your country?

No

Yes No N/A

4.6.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

4.6.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

4.6.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.6: It is up to individual universities to set rules in this respect.

4.7 Are there any established scientific journals in your country partly or fully published in the official language(s)?

Yes

Yes No N/A

4.7.1 In what scientific fields are those journals?

4.7.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

4.8 Do foreign students who wish to sign up for a course (conducted in your country’s official language) at a university in your country have to pass a language proficiency test (in your country´s official language) prior to registration?

Yes

Yes No N/A

4.8.1 How many universities selected under 4.3 require foreign students (seeking to sign up for a course conducted in your country’s official language) to pass a special language proficiency test (in your country’s official language) prior to registration?

4.8.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.8: Study of foreign students at Czech Universities is regulated by the law
and this stipulates that foreigners do study at the Universities under the
same conditions as the Czech citizens. If they study a programme
accredited in the Czech language and fulfil the prescribed length of study,
their study is without any fee. If they study a programme accredited in
another language, they have to pay for the study, just like the Czech
citizens. Likewise, if they exceed the standard length of the study, the
same compulsory payment holds for them as for the Czech citizens.

5.1 Are there any daily papers written in a language other than your country’s official language(s) that are produced in your country and distributed nationwide or in a substantial part of the nation?

No

Yes No N/A

5.1.1 Please list the papers.

5.1.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Only weekly journals are available :
“Prager Zeitung” language German
“The Prague Post” language English
"Cechija segodnja" language Russian

5.2 Has/have the official language(s) of your country a declared status as a medium of communication in the public service contracts with radio and/or TV broadcasters in your country?

No

Yes No N/A

5.2.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

5.2.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

5.2.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

5.3 How do public service television and film distributors in your country generally deal with languages other than your country’s official language(s) when broadcasting foreign films for adults?

5.3.1 Broadcast in original language

Sometimes

5.3.2 Broadcast in original language with voice-over

Rarely/never

5.3.3 Broadcast with dubbing

Mostly/always

5.3.4 Broadcast with subtitles

Mostly/always

5.3.5 Dual-channel sound (broadcast in two languages)

Rarely/never

5.3.6 Other:

5.3.7 Other:

5.4 How do public service television and film distributors in your country generally deal with languages other than your country’s official language(s) when broadcasting foreign films for children?

5.4.1 Broadcast in original language

Sometimes

5.4.2 Broadcast in original language with voice-over

Rarely/never

5.4.3 Broadcast with dubbing

Mostly/always

5.4.4 Broadcast with subtitles

Mostly/always

5.4.5 Dual-channel sound (broadcast in two languages)

Rarely/never

5.4.6 Other:

5.4.7 Other:

5.4.8 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

5.5 Is there any legal/official regulation in your country concerning the amount of radio broadcasting popular and folk vocal music in the official language(s)?

No

Yes No N/A

5.5.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

5.5.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

5.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

6.1 Is there a legal/official regulation in your country concerning the use of languages in industry, commerce, business or other working environments?

No

Yes No N/A

6.1.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

6.1.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

6.1.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

6.2 In which languages are the companies´ annual reports written in your country? List the ten largest companies (by number of employees). The companies should have their main location in your country and be a major employer.

Company name and status:: Škoda Mladá Boleslav P

Rated use of languages:: 1st German
2nd Czech
3rd English

Company name and status:: Ahold P

Rated use of languages:: 1st English
2nd Dutch
3rd Czech

Company name and status:: UniCredit Bank P

Rated use of languages:: 1st English
2nd Italian
3rd Czech

Company name and status:: Ringier P

Rated use of languages:: 1st German
2nd English
3rd Czech

Company name and status:: Telefónica O2 P

Rated use of languages:: 1st English
2nd Spanish
3rd Czech

Company name and status:: Simens P

Rated use of languages:: 1st German
2nd English
3rd Czech

Company name and status:: Hochtief P

Rated use of languages:: 1st German
2nd English
3rd Czech

Company name and status:: ČEZ PSO

Rated use of languages:: 1st Czech
2nd English
3rd German