Even though I can speak Czech no problem, and almost nobody recognises that I’m Slovak, writing Czech is not so easy. Czech and Slovak grammar are really quite different. Some teachers don’t realise this, and treat me like a Czech - which I’m grateful for, really! I’m no great shakes at Czech lessons. Dictation tests are a nightmare for me. And I don’t know how to write essays. Some teachers don’t mind if I write in Slovak, which is great. On the other hand I do want to learn how to write in Czech, so I try to practice it. The worst bit is always having to explain that the reason I make so many mistakes in essays is because Czech isn’t my native language and I’ve only been using it actively for a few years – it’s not because I’m thick!