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

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Fra: palistudy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:palistudy@yahoogroups.com] På vegne
af rett
Sendt: 27. september 2005 19:07
Til: palistudy@yahoogroups.com
Emne: [palistudy] 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.

Dear Rett,

Yes, you are quite right. Think, for instance, of the use of the genitive
with ta-participles to denote the agent. The same type of construction is
found with participles in tabba. These constructions are mentioned in
Panini's celebrated Sanskrit Grammar. Those in construction with
ta-participles are, needleess to say, well known from the Vedas and similar
constructions in Old Indo Iranian. I could mention many other remarkable
features of syncretism of Paali and Sanskrit syntactical constructions
mentioned by Panini.Paali syntax is evidently in need of a conprehensive
treatment in the light of contemporary sources; and the language described
by Panini was evidently a contemporary vernacular. Tis needs to be explored.

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.

Yes, I agree. I consider it an obligation to provide modern contemporary
study materials for this purpose, and I intend to complete a grammar as soon
as possible. I have already made all the necessary research. It is only a
matter of time and resources before I can complete it. However, I do not
have too much of either at the moment.

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.

I fully agree. Paali literature is one of the true wonders of ancient India.
What is more, it has no known precedents in Indian literature as such. It
needs to be studied extensively. I intend to contribute towards that goal.

With kind regards,

Ole Holten Pind

best regards,

/Rett


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