Journal |
Bhasha
Journal issue | 4 | 1 | 2025
Research Article | Semantics of Sanskrit Eva: A Cognitive Linguistics Approach
Semantics of Sanskrit Eva: A Cognitive Linguistics Approach
Abstract
This paper delves into the semantic analysis of the Sanskrit emphatic particle eva using the framework of Cognitive Grammar. Traditionally, grammarians have provided a definition of eva that is concise and lacks clarity, while logicians offered a ‘binary’ explanation based on two-valued logic. However, a more nuanced linguistic analysis is essential for a deeper understanding. Through an examination of various examples from Sanskrit literature, this paper posits that all instances of eva can be distilled into a single schematic meaning: the speaker’s cognitive process of selecting one candidate from a pool of options, while remaining neutral about other alternatives. Additionally, this paper explores the conjunction of eva with the discourse particle tu, asserting that eva tu and tu eva convey distinct nuances. In the former, the discourse connection is on the component marked by tu, whereas in the latter, it is on the group of candidates indicated by eva.
Submitted: June 9, 2024 | Accepted: May 7, 2025 | Published July 1, 2025 | Language: en
Keywords Sanskrit grammar • Eva • Cognitive linguistics • Emphatic expression • Focus particle
Copyright © 2025 Yuliang Zhou. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/bhasha/2785-5953/2025/01/006