KANNADA GRAMMAR
The grammar of a language can be constructed
in different ways based on the theoretical principles and the linguistic model that
one has adapted. However a historical reconstruction and the consequent comparison
with cognate languages will give us a portrayal which is proximate to reality. ‘Ancient
Kannada grammars’ including ‘the venerated
‘Shabdamanidarpana’ by Keshiraja are heavily influenced by Sanskrit
grammars and their models of description. They have grappled with problems that
have arisen because of their choice. The models that were developed during the early
decades of the twentieth century have had Latin and English models which were essentially
Indo European. The preponderance of Sanskrit words in Kannada vocabulary led to
the erroneous conclusion of tracing the origin of Kannada to Sanskrit. The hegemonial
relations that operate in Indian society were instrumental in cementing this belief.
It is now proved beyond doubt that Kannada belongs
to the Dravidian family of languages and that its relationship with Sanskrit is
a historical development. Hence, a Kannada grammar whether it is descriptive or
historical can be constructed only when it is compared its cognate languages such
as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Tulu and many more minor languages and dialects that
have retained the original structures. Actually some dialects of Kannada such as
havyaka Kannada have retained earlier forms with greater fidelity. But Kannada pedagogy
has adapted the Sanskrit model for such a long time that attempt at moving away
from that model is treated as detrimental to Kannada. This issue is not merely concerned
with models of analysis. Prescriptive grammars that do not take the cultural dynamics
of the society make it harder for the communities in the lower rungs of the societal
echelon to join the main stream. This prescriptive tendency is inevitably linked
with the creation of a standard language laden with Sanskrit words. This makes it
difficult for the lay man to become a part of the scholastic universe. His world-both
external and internal- does not get any opportunity to become an integral part of
the intellectual pursuits. Of course one has to notice that English too is playing
a similar role in the contemporary society.
It is necessary to reconstruct the grammar Kannada
at various levels such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
Reconstructing various stages of its evolution based on its Dravidian lineage is
essential. But it is more important to create modern models that have relinquished
the redundant patterns acquired from Sanskrit. For instance the rules related to
conjunction of words (sandhi) and compounding of words (samAsa) need to be looked
in to, as also the dynamic patterns that have emerged in adapting words from other
languages. The gender, number and case systems as delineated so far have to undergo
major changes. This is a question of political/societal will.
Each one of these stages presents problems of its own.
To illustrate the situation let us take a look at the phonetic level.
Traditionally Kannada is supposed to contain 14 vowels
(svara), two yOgavAhas and 34 consonants. The total number touches 50. However Tamil
manages with out the aspirated sounds. It is possible to pronounce L and O
as CAiÀiï and Cªï. IÄ and its elongated partner are not found in native Kannada
words. The velar and palatal nasals may be included among the allophones of Kannada.
This is true with respect to the aspirated sounds also. Similarly the distinction
between ±À and µÀ is hardly found in every day speech. Consequently one may conclude
that Kannada alphabet contains only thirty one letters in its alphabet. Of course
this will lead to a heated debate and theoretical issues will recede to the background.
A reconsideration of morphology, syntax and semantics as related to Kannada will
give rise to similar debates. It is not merely a question of prescription or description
but one has to consider the socio linguistic issues that are involved in this problem.
References:
1.
‘Kannada
Madhyama Vyakarana’, T.N.Srikantaiah, 1939,
2.
A
Generative Grammar of Kannada,
AK Ramanujan - 1962 -
3.
Kannada:
Descriptive Grammar, S.N.Sridhar, 1990, Routledge.
4.
A Case
Grammar of Kannada, P.P. Giridhar, central
5.
‘Kannadakke
Beku Kannadadde Vyakarana’, D.N.Shankara Bhat, 2000, Bhasha Prakashana,
6.
‘Vyakaranashastrada
Parivara’, N. Ranganathasharmaa, 2002, Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Samshodhana Kendra,
Udupi.
7.
‘Kannada
Bhasheya Kalpita Charitre’, D.N.Shankara Bhat,
1995,
8.
Kannada
Vyakarana Parampare, D.N.Shankara Bhat,
9.
Kannada
Jagattu: Ardha Shatamana, 2007, K.V.Narayana,
9.
Liinks:
1.
Kannada grammar -
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