Observations by Foreigners

These observations have been made by foreigners living in the Czech Republic.

• Czechs are self-contained when in public.
• Public displays of affections are common.
• Public events on the streets - no personal space, people will crowd in around you.
• Have to be assertive in train or bus lines, people will push by you if you let them.

Some Facts

It is polite and expected to greet people you don't know when you walk into a small store, restaurant or waiting room, but not to engage in conversation with them. For example, if you walk into a small store, you say Dobrý den to everybody in general but do not engage in conversation.

It is normal to sit with strangers at one table in a restaurant for hours and not exchange a word but it would be impolite not to say Nashledanou (Good bye) when you leave. Also if you want to sit down at a table with strangers, you have to ask for permission saying Je tu volno?

The Czech Space

Czech private space is smaller but its boundary is firmer. This is especially obvious when compared with Americans who require larger personal space but are much more willing to let people get into it.

This difference influences much that is typical of Czech culture. For example, a person has fewer friends who are closer. Also, people generally do not smile or even initiate contact with strangers. Public displays of affection are common, however, because they are happening within that close personal space with much stronger boundaries. Making noises, or anything that disturbs other people is frowned upon.