Methods Followed by Modern Grammarians in Presenting Pali Grammar

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.