This book contains a study of certain linguistic aspect of Pali language that have not been attempted hitherto. Thus it is valuable for both the students of linguistics as well as Pali. However, in the field of linguistics, this language did not attract much attention since many thought that this is ancient and dead one. Thus linguistic studies, even if pursued, did not progress much in Pali, that too, not beyond phonology and morphology. Few however, dealt to some extent on certain aspects of syntax, but rarely on semantics, though aspect of meaning was attempted by some scholars. For the speech, to be effective in communication it has to be meaningful. As far as syntax, the present book deals with the same primarily based on Aggavamsa's Saddaniti. Though the present book relies on the background provided by the above, yet the findings reveal the peculiarities in Pali especially compared with its sister tongue Sanskrit on the one hand and Prakrit language on the other.
While the book deals with semantics primarily, both regarding diachronic and synchronic aspect, it was considered worthwhile to reexamine the origins of the name of the language, since it is still a mystery, despite lot of research conducted so far, why the name of language is 'pali'. But Buddhaghosa used it as synonymous with 'patha'. Contextually, the meaning of text is assigned to Pali because it is used as synonym of 'patha' by Buddhaghosa. Though the meaning of this word had puzzled various scholars of the present century, yet an attempt is made afresh through purely linguistic means to arrive at the practical meaning of this word. It is for the scholars to judge these new findings.
About the Author:
The author is a Charted Accountant by occupation. But he became deeply interested in religion and spiritual development, both academically and also in practicing the same. While reading religious material in the course of spiritual development, he was puzzled to find various interpretations for any Sanskrit text, since Indian religious material is mostly available in Sanskrit. Utterly dissatisfied, a desire arose in the core of his heart to learn Sanskrit being the classical language, which is the barrier in understanding the ancient texts. However, in the process, he became attracted towards Pali language of Buddhism. Due to the close nexus of Pali with Sanskrit to a certain extent, he learnt Sanskrit also and developed working knowledge in it.
In the course of this perseverance, he joined the University of Delhi and obtained the Masters Degree from the faculty of Buddhist Studies with specialization in Pali and continued his study to awarded the degree of Master of philosophy from the same faculty in the same University. The finale of his study is in his being conferred with Doctor of Philosophy by same University.
The author has written many articles that appeared regularly in various Buddhist journals such as Suhrullekha, Svatantra Times and others.
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