Paali Grammar [was: Re: Ubon R. Wat Nanasat / Nanachat]

Dear Ole,

>I have for some years contemplated
>writing a new Paali Grammar, i.e., a real grammar with a comprehensive
>section on syntax,

This is a very good idea. I really hope it sees the light of day. In
my reading I find myself in the position of having to make all kinds
of syntactic observations on my own, and often can't find
confirmation that what I suspect to be the case really is correct.
Pali word order is anything but free and there are a number of
features of the case/tense systems, use of pronouns and
indeclinables, use of infinite verb forms, structure of complex
sentences etc that could really stand to be reworked and collected in
one place.

I also like your idea of Pali being taught in adult education
(evening classes in the community). It sure isn't happening much in
the universities (at least not here in Sweden). We'd need to develop
a base of 'hobbyists' who, of course, would mostly be Theravadin
Buddhists or secular meditators who are interested in Buddhism and
are curious about the canon. I know there's interest, but people have
a hard time getting past the introductory hurdles. Lack of modern
teaching materials is probably one of the worst of those hurdles.

Potential learners want to quickly get past the stage of struggling
with word by word translations and be able to read for pleasure,
knowledge and inspiration. Paali literature has plenty to offer in
those regards, but streamlined learning materials are lacking.

best regards,

/Rett