Why Hindi/Sanskrit is more scientific than English?
The answer to this question was requested to me on Quora. Here is my response....
Hi!Introduction:
Before I answer the question, let us accept the fact that every language has its own merits. The English language is the language of the world. When you put across any idea in English, the world can understand. So when I state my points about the greatness of the Hindi language (Sanskrit is the mother language!), keep in mind that in no way am I undermining the power of the English language. I teach English, and this question has been asked, and is being answered, and will be read in English!
Now to the answer -
Yes. The Hindi language (born from Sanskrit) is very scientific, and has its own advantages. Let us study them one by one -
- Separate letters for specific sounds -
Unlike English, the Hindi alphabet is very sophisticated. Each letter makes a unique, distinct sound. The punctuation ensures that when a word is written, there can be no ambiguity about how it has to be pronounced.
Compare that to the confusion in the English language -
The ‘-ch-’ can make three sounds!
श - (sh) chandelier or champagne, च - (ch) challenge or change, and क - (ka) Character or Chemical.
Thus the one who is well aware of these words will make an accurate pronunciation. Others will make an embarrassing error!
2. Words define themselves -
Let us consider an example: The planet Jupiter.
The word ‘Jupiter’ used in English is a Greek contribution, and it is a Greek God.
Look at the Hindi/Sanskrit term for it - Guru (गुरु)
Now, a guru (a mentor/a teacher/a guide) is greater than all! That is why this name has been assigned to the largest planet in the solar system.
How thoughtful!
3. The existence of the words show the depth -
For all modern discoveries, Sanskrit/Hindi has a word (translation) that is more to the point.
An example:
John Dalton is created with the atomic theory conveyed in the early 1800s.
However the name ‘atom’ comes from the Greek word - ‘atomos’ which means ‘uncuttable’. This is from the 5th century BC.
But from thousands of years before all of this, the ancient Hindu scriptures have used and referred to this small entity as ‘aanoo’ (आणू) and the sub-atomic particles as ‘param-aanoo’ (परम + आणू = परमाणु)
This understanding shows the depth of the language, and the quality of knowledge that its users had.
4. The rich vocabulary that reflects scientific understanding -
Of a million examples, I will present just one to expatiate on this point.
In Hindi/Sanskrit, the root ‘shwa’ (श्व ) is used for respiration - inhalation and exhalation.
Also, the prefix ‘a’ (अ) is used to create an antonym.
Now observe how etymology in Sanskrit/Hindi works!
A dog, since he breathes rapidly, is called - Shwaan - श्वान
A horse that never gasps after hard work or a run is called Ashwa - अश्व !
I hope I was able to add some value to your understanding!
Once again, I wish to say that every language has its own merits, and let’s face it - The English language is a global language. It has evolved by the contribution from almost all the other languages.
Hope you liked it!
Cheers!
