An investigative study to confirm that the pali language is composed of applied language features

Abstract

Applied languages often contribute to the communication of feelings. But Pali is not a language used today to communicate personal feelings. However, the main aim and purpose of this research is to prove with evidence that the Pali language was a practical language in Indian society during the Buddha's time since the Tipitaka literature always contains living language features. Using the Buddhist primary and secondary sources, the applied language features in the Pali language are analysed by outlining various factors and aspects. Employed research methodology. The vitality of a language should not be evaluated solely based on its current or sustained use by a linguistic community. Instead, it can be argued that both the value and the vitality of a language depend on its potential to fulfill the needs of its users. Today, many modern European languages have gained a prominent status, mainly because of the subject matter written in them. Yet, if the mother tongue of a particular linguistic community enables its members to access the same knowledgebase, they are unlikely to give more prominence to a foreign language. For example, the native speakers of languages such as Chinese, Russian, and Japanese who have access to current scientific knowledge in their own languages do not tend to ascribe a great deal of prominence to the English language, despite its status in today. This example suggests that the knowledgebase available in a particular language has a significant impact on its vitality and status. For the same reason, Pali has been recognized as an advanced, expedient and powerful medium for communicating the profound and subtle aspects of the teachings of the Lord Buddha.