The Concept of Sentence and Meaning

Definition and sense of the “meaning” were a great concern for the Indian thinkers. In order to finalize this, they have examined all the components of a communicative unit such as syllables, words, sentences and intentions of the speakers. After this examination, different philosophers, specifically, Mimamsakas, Naiyayikas and Shabdikas have arrived at the conclusion that sentence is an essential component to convey the sense of meaning to the listener. The theory of akhandavakya is based on the indivisible sphota theory and the sentence-meaning is experienced by the concept of pratibha. The division of sentence as per the priority of words occurred on the basis of mutual expectancy by which the intended meaning may be assumed by the listener. The Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari (sixth century) is a text which elaborately explains the notions on sentence. The book systematically presents the philosophical dimensions of grammatical units. The author has attempted to present the philosophy of language in a Bhartriharian perspective. To substantiate his views, syntactic and semantic thoughts in India are elaborately discussed.

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