In listening to Dhamma talks and chanting on the websites of various Theravadin monasteries, I have noticed that some group pronounce v's as w's in Pali (i.e., Bhagavato, brahmavihara). (I'm reminded of the Vesak vs. Wesak semantics, but I know that Vesak is Sinhalese). Could anyone help shed some light on why different groups pronounce v's differently, and what the pronounciation rules for v are in Pali?
Much metta,
Justin
V or W?
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Re: V or W?
The classical Pali grammars classify the consonant as dento-labial (i.e. requiring the upper front teeth to be in contact with the lower lip). So, v is more likely the correct pronunciation, since w is a bilabial consonant. But in practice SE Asian Buddhists will pronounce it as a w because their native tongues (Thai, Lao, Khmer etc.) don't have a v sound.
Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu
Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu
Yena yena hi maññanti,
tato taṃ hoti aññathā.
In whatever way they conceive it,
It turns out otherwise.
(Sn. 588)
tato taṃ hoti aññathā.
In whatever way they conceive it,
It turns out otherwise.
(Sn. 588)
Re: V or W?
Many thanks!
Cultivate generosity, the life of peace,
and a mind of boundless love.
Itivuttuka 16
and a mind of boundless love.
Itivuttuka 16