Pāli grammar

Abstract

This grammar gives a detailed account of the Pāli phonology and morphology employed in the Theravāda canonical texts. Drawing on the results of 150 years of scholarship, it aspires to provide a complete overview over the word-classes described and word-forms listed within. For the first time, all grammatical forms attested in canonical Pāli have been recorded and subsequently explained by meticulously tracing them back to (Vedic) Sanskrit and examining their development while providing extensive references to comparable features and phenomena of other Middle Indic languages. Various indexes make the grammar accessible for practical use. The comprehensive „Conspectus of Verbs and Verb Forms“ which serves as an index for the verb forms contained in the grammar is also a valuable tool for those who wish to read and research original Pāli texts. A third volume, which is to appear in the future, will provide a systematic overview over the syntax of canonical Pāli and further support scholars in the field