Abstract:
This paper examines the methods followed by modern grammarians in presenting
Pali grammar. Methodology for the study is based on a literary survey. Modern
Pali grammars; ‘Pali Literature and Language’ written by Wilhelm Geiger and
‘Introduction to Pali’ composed by A.K Warder are primarily referred in this
connection. It appears that there are no exact methods followed by Geiger
or Warder. Nevertheless, their books are very important in the aspect of how
they present grammar. It is necessary to study the question of whether modern
grammarians refused traditional ways used by ancient teachers. The answer
is no, but they present grammar in other ways which differ from traditional
grammars. Some of the methods used by the authors have been mentioned
by them. In examining these, it is very clear that they have composed Pali
grammars in the light of linguistics. They are not restricted to only Pali and in
addition, Pali is comparatively studied with other Indo Aryan languages. This
has been done in an interesting way by Geiger in his book which gives the
formations of the Pali words in comparison with Sanskrit. The importance of
studying the historical development of the language is emphasized by the use
of his knowledge in historical and comparative linguistics.
The methods followed by A. K. Warder are rather different from Geiger’s
work. Warder does not make attempt to reveal the gradual development of
the language. What he does is only introducing the grammatical functions
of the language. His method is based on syntax that is considered a major
aspect in linguistics. Warder always quotes phrases and sentences from the
canonical texts (Dīgha-nikāya). This feature really motivates those who study
Pali as they understand Pali Suttās while they are learning the language. He
thus provides a Pali grammar in its ancient phase within the framework of
graded lesions and exercises. When considering these modern grammarians,
it appears that while Geiger paid attention to phonological and morphological
features of the Pali language using historical linguistics, Warder gave priority
to syntax in Pali. According to these, modern grammarians have used different
kinds of methods in presenting Pali grammar.
