Analysis: Linguistics Expressed by the Buddha in Dhamma Language

Abstract

This article aims to reflect the dissemination of Buddhism by the Buddha in the Tripitaka through two forms of linguistics: language that directly conveys meaning according to the literal text and language that conveys meaning implicitly. The Buddha used language that was not attached to or revered any one language as a medium, but instead, he used the local languages as mediums, such as Magadhi, Pali, and Sanskrit. This was done through four methods of Dhamma teaching: explaining clearly, motivating to see the truth, engaging style, and being entertaining. These were based on the context of answering four types of questions: questions that should be answered directly, questions that should be counter-questioned before answering, questions that need to be analyzed before answering, and questions that should be set aside. Thus, linguistics is a powerful tool in the study of Buddhism, which helps us to understand the scriptures, interpret history, compare religions, study Buddhist philosophy, and communicate Buddhism effectively and comprehensively from the traces of history to the present. The forms and processes of linguistic study can categorize the perspectives of linguistics into at least three aspects: historical linguistics, theoretical and applied linguistics, and context-dependent and context-independent linguistics. Linguistics is both a science and an art that studies languages in various aspects, encompassing the structure, nature, and usage context of language.