Is It Slavia Praha or Slavia Prague?
If you’ve ever followed European football, particularly the UEFA Champions League or the Europa League, you may have come across a team called Slavia Praha. However, you might also have seen the same team referred to as Slavia Prague.
So, which one is correct? Let’s dive into this intriguing linguistic question and unravel the mystery behind these two names.
The Name
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that both “Slavia Praha” and “Slavia Prague” refer to the same football club based in the capital city of the Czech Republic. The club was established in 1892 and has a rich history and passionate fan base.
Historical Context
The reason for having two different names for the same club lies in its historical background. The city of Prague is known for its multicultural past and has been influenced by various languages throughout history.
During the time when Czechoslovakia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, German was a prevalent language in official documents and public life. As a result, many Czech words were adapted or translated into German.
In this context, “Praha” is how “Prague” is spelled in Czech. However, when translated into German, it became “Prag.”
Therefore, during this period, when referring to Slavia from Prague in German-speaking contexts (such as competitions or newspapers), it was natural to use “Slavia Prag. “
Modern Usage
After World War I, Czechoslovakia gained independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and became a sovereign state. With this change came an increased emphasis on using native Czech terminology rather than German translations.
As a result, the name “Slavia Praha” emerged as the official and widely accepted name for the club. It reflects the Czech language and is the name used by Slavia Prague in domestic competitions, on their official website, and by Czech media outlets.
However, due to the club’s participation in international tournaments where English is commonly used, you may still encounter references to “Slavia Prague” in English-language media and publications. This usage is largely a legacy of historical translations and has become an accepted alternative name.
The Verdict
To sum it up, both “Slavia Praha” and “Slavia Prague” are accurate names for the same football club. “Slavia Praha” is the native Czech name used domestically and by Czech media, while “Slavia Prague” is an English-language variant that stems from historical translations.
So, next time you come across this team in your favorite football tournament, don’t be confused – whether you call them Slavia Praha or Slavia Prague, you’ll be referring to the same passionate club from the beautiful city of Prague!