Principles for Creating New Words in Sanskrit

Sanskrit has a rich tradition of creating new words to adapt to evolving concepts and ideas. In his work Vyavaharakosha, SN Kulkarni provides valuable principles that should be followed when creating new words in Sanskrit. These principles ensure that the new words maintain the essence and purity of the language while effectively conveying their intended meaning. Let’s understand each of these principles to grasp their significance in preserving the beauty and versatility of Sanskrit while creating new words.

1. Identity of Meaning (अर्थ-साधर्म्यम् artha-sādharmyam): When coining new words, it is crucial to maintain the essence and similarity of meaning with existing words that represent similar concepts. This principle ensures that the new word fits seamlessly into the existing vocabulary and helps establish a sense of familiarity and continuity for the language users.
2. Similarity of Form (स्वरूप-सादृश्यम् svarūpa-sādṛśyam): The form and structure of the new word should be reminiscent of established patterns in Sanskrit. This similarity in form allows the word to effortlessly integrate into the language’s phonetic and grammatical structure, making it easier for speakers to adopt and remember.
3. Melody (स्वर-माधुर्यम् svara-mādhuryam): Melody refers to the phonetic euphony of the new word.Sanskrit has a phonetic system that emphasizes sound harmony. When creating new words, care should be taken to ensure that the sounds complement each other and produce a harmonious effect. A harmonious and pleasant sound in the pronunciation enhances the word’s appeal and makes it more captivating to listeners. This aspect of language aesthetics is essential to retain the musical charm of Sanskrit.
4. Ease in Pronunciation (उच्चार-सुकरता uccāra-sukaratā): The ease of pronunciation is crucial for the widespread adoption of new words. Words that can be spoken effortlessly are more likely to become part of everyday language usage. Keeping pronunciation simple and natural also contributes to the overall beauty and charm of the language.
5. Brevity (संक्षिप्तत्वम् saṁkṣiptatvam): In a language known for its precision and conciseness, brevity is a fundamental principle. New words should be compact and succinct while conveying the intended meaning clearly. Avoiding unnecessary complexities ensures efficient communication and prevents ambiguity.
6. Grammatical Accuracy (व्याकरण-शुद्धता vyākaraṇa-śuddhatā): Sanskrit is highly structured and systematic, and maintaining grammatical accuracy in new word formations is essential. Adhering to the rules of grammar guarantees that the words are consistent with the language’s established framework, making them more acceptable to scholars and language enthusiasts.
7. Etymological Propriety (व्युत्पत्ति-सिद्धता vyutpatti-siddhatā): Etymology, the study of word origins, plays a significant role in Sanskrit’s lexical development. New words should have a well-founded etymological basis, either deriving from existing roots or following established word formation patterns. This ensures coherence and authenticity in the language.
8. Purity of Language (भाषा-शुद्धता bhāṣā-śuddhatā): Preserving the purity of the language is of utmost importance when introducing new words. Avoiding contamination from foreign elements or slang helps maintain Sanskrit’s timeless elegance and dignity.
9. Fineness of Shades of Meaning (अर्थसूक्ष्मता arthasūkṣmatā): Words in Sanskrit often carry nuanced meanings and depths of significance. New words should strive to capture these subtleties, enabling speakers to articulate their thoughts with precision and clarity.
10. Unequivocal Meaning (अर्थनिःसन्दिग्धता arthaniḥsandigdhatā): Ambiguity in word meaning can lead to confusion and miscommunication. New words should possess clear and unambiguous meanings, leaving no room for interpretation or misunderstanding.
11. Concurrence with the Current Meaning (प्रचलित-शब्दार्थ-अविरोधिता pracalita-śabdārtha-avirodhitā): While introducing new words, it is essential to ensure that their meanings do not clash with those of existing words in common usage. Compatibility with the contemporary lexicon facilitates easier assimilation.
12. Commonness to as Many Languages as Possible (सार्वभाषित्वम् sārvabhāṣitvam): Creating words that have relevance and applicability across different languages expands the reach and influence of Sanskrit. Emphasizing universality in word meanings can foster cross-linguistic understanding and communication.
13. Continuity of Ancient Words (परम्परासातत्यम् paramparāsātatyam): Sanskrit boasts a rich history, and many words have been handed down through generations. When introducing new words, acknowledging and maintaining continuity with ancient terms can strengthen the cultural and literary heritage of the language.

Creating new words in Sanskrit is an intricate and artful process that requires a deep understanding of the grammar, syntax, and linguistic aesthetics of the Sanskrit language. This approach has contributed to the timeless beauty and precision of Sanskrit and continues to be appreciated and studied by scholars worldwide. Following these principles laid down by SN Kulkarni in Vyavaharakosha ensures that new words in Sanskrit are rooted in tradition, yet adaptable to modern needs. By maintaining the aesthetic beauty, grammar accuracy, and semantic richness of the language, these principles contribute to the perpetuation and revitalization of Sanskrit, preserving its timeless legacy for generations to come.

-Sampadananda Mishra