Czech Deck playing cards show useful Czech phrases, fun facts and interesting facts about Prague
The biggest shock in the Czech Republic for me was probably that I felt like I was back in time, at least compared to the United States. Everything has its pros and cons.
Like many other young Americans, Alysa Yamada first worked as an English teacher in the Czech Republic. He later began writing UX and copywriting websites.
She has now launched a set of playing cards called Czech Deck, which illustrate some of her favorite aspects of Czech culture, along with fun facts, ideas for trips and several important language phrases.
Arrival to Prague? Like I’m back in time
“I moved to Prague in 2014, so I have lived here for almost eight years. Before that, I lived in Portland, Oregon, where I studied at university. But originally I come from Hawaii.
At first I wanted to spend about three months in Europe and travel. I taught English and eventually got to Prague, where I decided to stay. “
So you took a TOEFL English teacher course or something?
“Exactly. I taught English in Prague for several years. “
Did it represent a great culture shock for you from the beginning of your life in Prague, or did something pleasantly surprise you?
“Certainly! It was a lot, but that’s great. From the beginning, I just gathered experiences, met new people, friends, colleagues…
Perhaps the biggest shock to me was that I felt like I was going back in time, at least compared to the United States. Everything has its pros and cons. Prague is really rich in history and a lot of things are constantly evolving. “
How did you get from teaching English to copywriting and UX writing?
“I have taught English for many technology companies and in general for various companies around Prague. People asked me if I could help them with websites, English texts, proofreading, etc.
So I slowly got into the environment of copywriting websites, which I liked, I started to look into it in more detail and I found a way to UX writing. “
The idea for the cards came during the lockdown
What “puts” all her experiences and what if one republic of cards? In something, it was easy to play what people could take with them on a trip, donate to family and friends who want to visit Prague and the Czech Republic, or are interested in culture in general.
Alysa Yamada also loves traveling or the pub quiz, but all these activities have been limited by coronavirus-related measures. After a few weeks of last year’s lockdown, the idea of Czech Deck cards began to emerge in her head.
Playing cards combine four elements. Interesting things that they learned about Czech culture and its traditions, fun facts, tips on Prague attractions and day trips, which she recommended to friends or family during the visit.
The cards also show Czech pronunciation
Each card color, ie diamonds, crosses, hearts and spades, has its own purpose. Alyse liked the idea of using his UX writing skills and coming up with a short, fun and useful brief description for each card.
Do you remember when you first thought of creating a Czech Deck?
“It simply came to our notice then. I think it was more a combination of different circumstances. I like to play games, including card and board games, so I thought: why couldn’t there be a similar game about the Czech Republic?
What “puts” all her experiences and what if one republic of cards? In something, it was easy to play what people could take with them on a trip, donate to family and friends who want to visit Prague and the Czech Republic, or are interested in culture in general.
Each color has its own purpose – the cart presents ideas for day trips, the heart of interest in Prague, which are also my favorite places, crosses are fun facts and spades language cards with useful phrases in Czech. “
How did the cards themselves come about? Did you design them yourself or did you consult with friends?
“I sketched each of the cards with a pencil on paper and a friend helped me with the digitization. In any case, the cards are more of a solo project.
The heart then shows Prague’s attractions, such as the Church of St. Nicholas. The card says that it is “the most impressive church in Prague, because even Linkin Park shot a video for it.
I was also helped by an online platform and then I was looking for someone to issue the cards. The production took place half and half, part was done in Great Britain and the other half here in the Czech Republic. “
Did you get feedback from Czech friends or expats who live here? Was there any card set design you had as a model?
“I asked my partner at the time for advice and tips, making sure I had the right accents.
I think diacritics, spelling and pronunciation were the hardest for me. For example, cards with Czech phrases also contain advice on pronunciation.
The friends I showed liked me anyway. In the beginning, I made about twenty of them to find out what the response would be. And the cards really took over, so I decided to keep them. “
Can you tell us what tips and hints the cards contain?
“For example, the carts contain a link to Kutná Hora, which is one of the ideas for day trips outside Prague. There is also the Czech Switzerland National Park. These are always places I would recommend to friends and family when visiting.
Crosses are fun facts, for example, one card mentions beer with the fact that there are over 450 breweries in the Czech Republic, there is the highest consumption of beer per capita in the world and beer is usually cheaper than bottled water.
The heart then shows Prague’s attractions, such as the Church of St. Nicholas. The card says that it is “the most impressive church in Prague, because even Linkin Park shot a video for it.
Spades are language cards. For example, this one says “Do you speak English?”. The pronunciation is in parentheses and below it is the translation – “Do you speak English?”.
Do you always have one or two decks of cards with you?
“Yes, for sure. It suits me when I’m bored at the station, for example. When I go out with friends, I like them with me. “
Don’t you think that cards could be a good way to break the ice? For example, on a train when strangers are sitting next to you …
“It never occurred to me, but it’s a great idea!”