+2 votes
by (1.8k points)
If I learn Pali as a language, would I be able to have an everyday conversation in Pali with other Pali speakers? For example “hi, would you like a cup of tea?” Or can it only be used to access the Dhamma?
by (1.8k points)
Thank you,  so do Some monastics actually converse in Pali with each other? I would love to listen to that.  
To have an ancient language that hasn’t changed or evolved over thousands of years.  Knowing this makes me appreciate not just the content of the Suttas, but the sounds of an ancient language as it actually was. But even more incredible, is how it was preserved Orally through chanting, and I have friends who can chant, but do not know exactly what they are chanting, so that would mean it’s a system of preservation.
by (800 points)
I have heard Bhante (+ another monastic) say that, during their training, due to their varied backgrounds, Pali was the only common denominator for daily conversation.
by (18.8k points)
I've heard that Bhante's teacher sometimes spoke in Pali with monks.
by (1.8k points)
Is the study of Pali more scholaristic/academic? Just like learning through translations? Are there schools that make learning Pali fun and interesting? Similar to learning modern foreign language such as English :) ...Is such a realistic possibility? I was just watching on YouTube someone giving a speech in Pali, and the comments are interesting.  A Burmese says he can recognise some words.
by (18.8k points)
You can study Pali in Theravada countries like Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka

1 Answer

0 votes
by (18.8k points)
Pali or the Magadhan was language spoken by the common man during the time of the Buddha. Sanskrit was the language used by the higher caste Brahmins.  But Pali has been a dead language for more than a couple of millennia. That means people are not actively using the language to communicate. So no new words added and meanings don't change over time. This is one reason why venerable Buddhagosa rewrote the original Sinhalese commentaries in Sri Lanka in  Pali with the guidance of Mahavihara Bhikkus. So the meanings won't change over time.

But you should be able to say something like "Greetings! Would you like a cup of herbal drink?"
by (1.8k points)
Thank you,  so do Some monastics actually converse in Pali with each other? I would love to listen to that.  
To have an ancient language that hasn’t changed or evolved over thousands of years.  Knowing this makes me appreciate not just the content of the Suttas, but the sounds of an ancient language as it actually was. But even more incredible, is how it was preserved Orally through chanting, and I have friends who can chant, but do not know exactly what they are chanting, so that would mean it’s a system of preservation.
by (800 points)
I have heard Bhante (+ another monastic) say that, during their training, due to their varied backgrounds, Pali was the only common denominator for daily conversation.
by (18.8k points)
I've heard that Bhante's teacher sometimes spoke in Pali with monks.
by (1.8k points)
Is the study of Pali more scholaristic/academic? Just like learning through translations? Are there schools that make learning Pali fun and interesting? Similar to learning modern foreign language such as English :) ...Is such a realistic possibility? I was just watching on YouTube someone giving a speech in Pali, and the comments are interesting.  A Burmese says he can recognise some words.
by (18.8k points)
You can study Pali in Theravada countries like Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka
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