Some noteworthy linguistic
10/20/2020
features of the Sanskrit
language.
Learning Sanskrit through Sanskrit literature [PHL 136]
Nisarg Patel
[AU1743024]
Some noteworthy linguistic features
of the Sanskrit language.
Sanskrit a sacred language of Hinduism marks its origins as early as 1700-
1200 BCE as a Vedic Sanskrit. It is one of the very few languages for which
substantial documents still exists, is believed to be general language of the
greater Indian Subcontinent in ancient times. Longevity, stability, sacredness –
looking at these three aspects of Sanskrit language we realise what makes it a
one-of-a-kind language in modern world. These features are unusual for any
normal language. They are effects of actions of users of the language. It is their
users who helped Sanskrit to rise as a sacred language. Also, its stability and
longevity can be credited to its users who maintained it through the course of
history. Well-read ancestral Indians have formulated a representation with keen
linguistic awareness which forms basis for our information about the language
in modern era. We shall distinguish Sanskrit into “Vedic Sanskrit” and “Classical
Sanskrit” when specifics are required.
Panini standardized Vedic Sanskrit into Classical Sanskrit by defining its
grammar. Panini’s “Astadhyayi” is the most important of the surviving texts of
Vyakarana (the linguistic analysis of Sanskrit) consisting of eight chapters
explaining his rules and their sources. Through this standardization, Panini
helped create what is now known as Classical Sanskrit. Through this
standardization he was able to impart linguistic awareness among its speaker,
enabling them to consciously construct one’s speech. This wasn’t an attempt to
stabilise the language. Though he wanted to preserve Vedic Sanskrit but also let
Sanskrit evolve and enrich itself from other languages. This attitude is also seen
among his successors like Patanjali, who considered Sanskrit a living language.
The Sanskrit of Patanjali focused on the religious importance of Sanskrit as other
languages did perform the task of communicating but only Sanskrit had religious
merit. He described them as Aryavarta, who are above all by their social standing
and by their psychological qualities among them. The Sanskrit of Patanjali thus
was a living language of class, which was learnt because they were born in good
family. Sanskrit continued to evolve till Christian era. In this process it lost an
important feature which is tone. This loss was due to changed status of Sanskrit
language, as now it was acquired by education (second language) not as the
result of birth (first language). Hence the variation in tone was due to influence
of pronunciation features of one’s first language. Such a serious alteration of
pronunciation resulting from omission of tone by pandits who were fully aware
of its existence and grammatical rules give by Panini for it can only be explained
by the influence of a first language that did not have a system of emphasises,
hence the transition of Sanskrit to the state of second language.
It is estimated that around 600 B.C.E., in the classical period of Iron Age
Ancient India, Sanskrit began the transition from a primary language to a second
language of religion and learning. This change of status of Sanskrit language does
not necessarily result in decline of language. In fact it leads to grammatical
stabilisation and now grammar becomes a crucial source rather than just a set
of rules. Pandits continued this stabilization and raised it to the level of norm
and reference of correct language by making ‘trinity of sages’(Munitraya).
However, on brighter side this change lead Sanskrit into a desirable direction. As
when Sanskrit was learnt from Paninian manual it was mainly dependent on the
structures describing it hence it greatly influenced the evolution of Sanskrit.
Panini gave rules of composition which explains formation of compounds
already created in past and also left way open for formation of new compounds
for formation of yet unknown examples. This rule of composition has no limits
on application. Hence, we see a disproportionate development of composition,
a peculiar feature of Sanskrit. This is how Sanskrit was constrained by its ancient
grammarians.
At time we see differences between the structure came into light by
history or comparison with other Indo-European languages and the structure
described by Panini. Hence our modern-day understanding is guided by Paninian
system but it is not the only one. Taking example of word kr̥tavant ‘who has
done’ is constructed by panini as primary suffix Tavant after root kr̥ ‘to do’ while
historically grammar analyses it into the root kr̥, primary suffix ta of passive past
participle and secondary suffix vant expressing idea of possession. For
scientifically understand the structure of Sanskrit it is important to view Sanskrit
from historical point of view and from point of view of trinity of grammarians,
Panini, Katyayana and Patanjali. The former helps in understanding features
unconsciously present in user’s mind and later due to their integral contribution
to language.
Language got its name as “Sanskrit” roughly around 5th or 6th century AD,
after it has passed on to status of second language. Hence pandits gave the word
‘Sanskrit’ meaning the form of speech ‘constructed’ by a grammar as such of
panini. The word is made with the suffix ta of passive past participle after the
root kr̥ ‘to do’ fitted with a verbal prefix sam bringing idea of superior quality or
being perfect. The first meaning of word sáṃskṛta is ‘made ready’. An action can
only be accomplished when various factors come together. Hence the term
saṃskāra refer to all preparations for an action aiming to achieve some goal. So
sáṃskṛta is something that has been prepared keeping a goal in mind. Saṃskāra
is the gathering of factors which helps in bringing to perfection. This perspective
is also applied in social and religious life. Any individual is prepared for
challenges he will face in life like being an ideal son, husband and father at the
same time by imparting saṃskāra in him. Saṃskāra in psychology is referred as
collection of effects left in the unconscious mind by past experiences. This
collection of effects makes an individual fit for new experiences. Therefore, it is
acquisition of this organised knowledge which makes him fit to act and learn. As
a language helps an individual in accomplishing an ability to express it is a
samskara. The knowledge of grammar, awareness of its structures and
composition, etc. makes a language to be saṃskāra.
Sanskrit with the saṃskāra of grammar given by panini has an amazing
self-preserving ability and also enriching itself from other sources. Sanskrit
seems to be perfected for functioning of mind in any circumstances of life. We
looked at its capabilities of adapting and growing its vocabulary from various
sources making it a living language. Accounting for this linguistic feature of
achieving perfection through awareness which is solely aimed at optimal
adaptation to intellectual activity, Indo-Aryan named it Sanskrit. This is why
Sanskrit is famously called as language of God, according to me it acts as medium
to connect to God. Whenever you converse or chant in Sanskrit there is a refilled
positivity and enthusiasm which encourages an efficient working of mind. For
me Sanskrit is ultimate language to master. I feel lucky that I had its exposure
form a very young age and I have experienced the significant difference it makes
in one’s life. Though we are forced to adapt in an English-speaking world we
should thrive in making this language digitally available to everyone. Only this
way we can ensure everlasting longevity and stability in modern world. It is a
cure to impatient mind, it helps meditating, it improves you speaking capabilities
and so on. This course has enriched me with a deeper understanding of language
and some fascinating facts about how Sanskrit is scientifically formed according
to the way we speak. For me it is the ultimate language I want to learn
thoroughly in my life and I consider myself blessed to be able to learn a sacred
language used by gods in my religion and feel proud for being a part of never-
ending journey of ‘Sanskrit’ – the language.
