What are the special attributes of Sanskrit? Why and how is it so effective for education? How can it create a sense of well-being? How can it be applied in the classroom today ?
Clues lie in what Sanskrit shows us about
Ø the scope and richness of human speech
Ø the development of understanding and good communication
Ø the mathematical/scientific aspects of language
Ø the musical/artistic/creative aspects of life
The scope and richness of human speech
Families of sound : The sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet show that human language rests on orderly groupings, or families, relating to 5 main positions in the mouth. Each sound, or letter, has one pronunciation only, unlike a language such as English where the letter ‘e’ can be pronounced in many ways, often for no apparent reason.
Sound quality: Body and mind are intricately involved in a system of precise articulation:
- Contact/non-contact: Rules govern where, when, how or if the tongue touches the mouth.
- Use of breath: Employing the right amount of breath for different sounds is important. This practice increases awareness of the refinements of human speech and may also help to promote good health.
- Vibration: Vibration and lack of vibration in various areas of the upper body shows the varying but orderly nature of sound.
- Measure: The length of vowels (long or short) is significant for the sound and the meaning of words. This is closely associated with emphasis.
- Emphasis: The three rules for ‘heavy/guru’ and light/laghu when applied correctly create an exquisite and satisfying rhythm.
Importance in education: Writing the Devanagari symbols encourages fine motor and artistic skills. The technique of hearing a sound whilst writing it helps to develop concentration and coordination. Sanskrit improves clarity of speech, refines listening and raises awareness of the power and extent of the human speech apparatus. The orderly system of sounds and letters assists less able learners, while the mental rest provided by sounds such as long measures and resonant nasal sounds promotes calmness, emotional stability and a feeling of well-being. Accurate implementation of the rules of pronunciation gives rise to intellectual agility and joy, and can have a surprisingly enlivening, awakening effect.
Practical teaching tips
· Speak clearly and use simple, clear explanations of rules and principles
· Present Sanskrit sounds orally first, as an orderly system, then visually
· Pronounce Sanskrit sounds clearly, precisely and without rush
· Encourage students to hear the Sanskrit sounds whilst writing carefully and beautifully
· Avoid too much theorising and allow the sounds to speak for themselves!
· Use attractive, clearly presented textbooks which incorporate essential principles
Next time: How does Sanskrit aid the development of understanding and good communication?
Helen Harper www.sanskritatstjames.org.uk
