Dobrovský

Josef Dobrovský (1753-1829) was a Czech philologist, historian, and leading figure of the Czech National Revival. He is widely regarded as the founder of Slavic studies (Slavistics) and Bohemian (Czech) scholarship.

Dobrovský was born in Ďarmoty (German: Deutsch-Eirmuth), Hungary (now in Slovakia). He studied philosophy and theology, becoming a Jesuit novice before the order's dissolution in 1773. He then continued his studies and became a Catholic priest.

His scholarship focused on the Czech language, literature, and history. He aimed to codify the Czech language and revive its use in literature and public life, after a period where German had become dominant in educated circles.

Key contributions include:

• Grammatical and lexicographical works: Dobrovský's Ausführliches Lehrgebäude der böhmischen Sprache (1809) was a comprehensive grammar of Czech, and his Deutsch-böhmisches Wörterbuch (1802-1821) a significant Czech-German dictionary. These works provided a standardized framework for the Czech language.
• Historical research: Dobrovský investigated Czech history, particularly the Hussite period, publishing works that challenged existing interpretations and contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the past. He was critical of romanticized views of history and emphasized the importance of primary source research.
• Slavic studies: Dobrovský's comparative grammar of Slavic languages, Institutiones linguae Slavicae dialecti veteris (1822), laid the groundwork for the development of Slavic philology as a distinct field of study.
• Critical approach: Dobrovský advocated for a critical and scientific approach to historical and linguistic research, emphasizing objectivity and rigorous analysis.

Dobrovský's work was essential in shaping the Czech National Revival and fostering a sense of national identity based on language and history. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Czech culture and scholarship.