The history and present of the Czech community in France with a focus on associational life

Abstract

This diploma thesis deals with the Czech community in France in both the past and present. In general, it focuses on the community organizing of Czech compatriots. The aim of the thesis is to gain a fundamental overview of this topic, to find interesting relations, and to point out the importance of compatriot associations for Czechs living in France. The thesis is based on the search in literary and internet sources, the knowledge gained via questionnaires, other conversation and the author's personal experiences during her stay in Nantes. The first part of the thesis provides basic information about the history of Czech emigration to France, the development of compatriot associations, and the start of Czech schools and Czech high-school sections in France. The second part of the thesis introduces the overview of current associations and other institutions related to Czechs and Czech culture in France. It deals, in more detail, with the activity of chosen Franco-Czech associations working in various French regions. These organizations are available for Czech compatriots to join actively. The representatives of these associations, by filling out a questionnaire, provide compelling information and observations about the most frequented organization events, the level of compatriots' interest in the..