Hello all,
I have clarified the algorithm and taken care of some problems I
noticed. Please point out any errors.
Here is the updated version:
*Compound Algorithm:*
It can sometimes be difficult to know which type of compound we are
dealing with. Here is an algorithm that can help you to figure out the
compound type.
1. If the compound has only numbers as members and the first number is
larger than the second then it is likely a Dvanda, and if the second
number is larger then it is likely a Digu. Please see these sections
below for more information.
2. If the compound starts with a number and is followed by a
non-numeral, if the two members should be in the same case, then it is
likely a Digu; if the two members would be in different cases, then it
is likely a tappurisa. Please see below for more information.
3. If the compound starts with an indeclinable that qualifies a
following noun in the compound, and the whole compound is acting as an
adverb, the compound is likely an Avyayiibhaava. Please see below for
more information.
4. For all other compounds, try to determine the case of the last
member as well as what the case of the first member would be, had it not
been compounded with the last.
-If the cases would certainly differ, go to 5
-If the cases would certainly be the same go to 6
-If it is impossible to tell for sure go to 7
5. If the cases certainly differ, then it is likely a tappurisa
compound. Please see below for more information.
6. If the cases would certainly be the same, then it is a kammadhaaraya
or a dvanda. A dvanda will have two or more words that don’t qualify
each other but are simply being added together. In a kammadhaaraya,
however, the first member of the compound will help to qualify the final
member. Please see below for more information
7. If it is impossible to tell the cases, then it may be a tappurisa or
kammadhaaraya compound and context and doctrinal familiarity should be
your guide to figuring out the solution. Not all compounds are easy to
analyze.
8. If you have a compound that fits the “type” of one of the above
compounds but the last member is a noun, or is used as a noun, and the
last member is agreeing (case, gender, number) with an external noun as
would an adjective, regardless of its normal gender, etc., then you are
likely dealing with a Bahubbiihi compound. Please see below for more
information.
When it says: "Please see below for more information," it is referring
to my compound sheet available here:
http://www.lioncity.net/alanmcclure/resources/Pali_compounds.htm