The pronunciation of the capital city of Czech Republic, Prague, often confuses many people. This article aims to shed light on the correct way to pronounce Prague and its native name, Praha.
How do you pronounce Prague?
Pronouncing Prague correctly is essential to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications while conversing with locals or fellow travelers. The correct pronunciation of Prague is [PRAHG].
The ‘a’ in Prague is pronounced as a short ‘a’ sound, similar to the ‘a’ in ‘cat’. The stress falls on the first syllable, making it slightly emphasized.
Why is the pronunciation different from its spelling?
Many words or names have pronunciations that deviate from their spelling due to historical and linguistic reasons. In the case of Prague, it can be attributed to the evolution of language over time. The English spelling of ‘Prague’ was derived from older Germanic languages, where ‘Prag’ was pronounced differently.
How do you pronounce Praha?
In Czech, the native language of Czech Republic, Prague is known as Praha. The correct pronunciation of Praha is [PRA-HA].
Here again, the stress falls on the first syllable, making it slightly emphasized. The ‘a’ in Praha is pronounced as a long ‘a’ sound similar to the ‘a’ in ‘father’.
Why are there different pronunciations for English and Czech?
The difference in pronunciation between English and Czech can be attributed to variations in phonetics and phonology between these two languages. Each language has its own set of rules for pronouncing sounds and syllables. Therefore, when words from one language are borrowed into another language, their pronunciation may change to fit the phonetic patterns of the borrowing language.
Remembering the correct pronunciations
To remember how to correctly pronounce Prague and Praha, it can be helpful to break down the words phonetically. In both cases, the emphasis is on the first syllable, and the ‘a’ sound differs in length. Practice saying these words aloud to familiarize yourself with their correct pronunciation.
Visiting Prague?
If you plan to visit Prague, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Czech. While many locals in Prague speak English, making an effort to learn a few common greetings and expressions in Czech will be appreciated by the locals and enhance your overall experience.
- Dobrý den – Good day
- Děkuji – Thank you
- Prosím – Please
- Ano – Yes
- Ne – No
Pronunciation plays a vital role in effective communication, especially when traveling to foreign countries. By understanding the correct pronunciation of Prague and Praha, you can confidently engage with locals and navigate your way through this beautiful city.