Sanskrit Dictionary for computers

[SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI]

Sanskrit Dictionary for computers is probably a first efforts of its
kind. In this dictionary nearly 2000 words related to computers are
given with their equivalent words in Sanskrit.Sanskrit has a special
capacity to provide room for creation and coining new technical words
required for all sciences basing on its roots and on the sound base of
grammar. This capacity of Sanskrit has been tested many times for
coining of new technical terms. In fact not only Indian languages, but
also English and other languages borrow Sanskrit roots for generation
of new technical words. It is again high time to prove the power of
Sanskrit language by creating literature in Sanskrit about computers.

This dictionary is published for the first time by Sanskrit Academy,
Hyd for testing purpose. The Pdf is made available free for
researchers. Your feedback is valuable for us.

File is uploaded in BVParishat.

regards,
shrivara

[vaidikagramanirman]

namaste

"File is uploaded in BVParishat"

I dont find it in files section?

regards

[JSRA Prasad]

Namaste.
My experience is - in gmail, point your cursor in browser to more -> groups -> भारतीयविद्वत्परिषद् -> files
Hope this helps.

Regards

2009/4/17 vaidikagramanirman <prem...@gmail.com>

--
Lecturer, Dept. of Sanskrit Studies
University of Hyderabad
Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500046
Tel: 040-2313 3803 (Off.)

[Shrisha Rao]

I posted this before, but it has not appeared. Sorry if this is a
duplicate. -- SR

On 16 abr, 22:54, SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI <shriv...@gmail.com> wrote:

> This dictionary is published for the first time by Sanskrit Academy,
> Hyd for testing purpose. The Pdf is made available free for
> researchers. Your feedback is valuable for us.

The document seems to be a literal translation into Sanskrit of some
words and definitions from the FOLDOC dictionary (http://
www.foldoc.org). Credit to that source needs to be given explicitly,
and copyright concerns would need to be addressed first before any
publication (your translation will have to accept the terms of the GNU
Free Documentation License -- see http://foldoc.org/?Free+On-line+Dictionary
for details).

I am not sure I understand the purpose of such a Sanskrit dictionary.
Each field of study has a particular language that is associated with
it; Old Testament studies always require Hebrew, Roman Law needs
Latin, व्याकरण and other वेदाङगs need Sanskrit -- there is no way
around this need, and technical translations that seek to supplant the
originals are of limited value. Likewise, computer science is always
in English (there are still significant amounts of scholarship in
other subjects, e.g., mathematics, which are published in other
languages such as Russian or French, but computer science is
universally in English only, even in Europe, Israel, China, etc.,
which use other languages for some other subjects). Seeking to deal
primarily in a different language seems quite incongruous, sort of
like the insistence of some European/Eurocentric Indologists that only
German-language works in Indology are to be considered of value.

The accuracy of quite a few of the Sanskrit translations is also
somewhat questionable -- they seem to capture the literal word-
meanings of the FOLDOC originals, but stray from the correct computing
senses because the original English words are often idiomatic. See
for example words like heap, newsgroup, node, noise. Some others are
really not translated at all, e.g., hash function. Some translations
could be completely misunderstood by someone who knows Sanskrit
primarily; e.g., अब्जाष्टकानि.

Regards,

Shrisha Rao

[SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI]

Thanks for your comments.

> The document seems to be a literal translation into Sanskrit of some

> words and definitions from the FOLDOC dictionary (http://www.foldoc.org). Credit to that source needs to be given explicitly,

> and copyright concerns would need to be addressed first before any
> publication (your translation will have to accept the terms of the GNU
> Free Documentation License -- seehttp://foldoc.org/?Free+On-line+Dictionary
> for details).
>

Yes. This issue is taken care. We too publish this dictionary which is
based on the above mentioned dictionary under GPL.
In the book it is acknowledged.

> I am not sure I understand the purpose of such a Sanskrit dictionary.
> Each field of study has a particular language that is associated with
> it; Old Testament studies always require Hebrew, Roman Law needs
> Latin, व्याकरण and other वेदाङगs need Sanskrit -- there is no way
> around this need, and technical translations that seek to supplant the
> originals are of limited value. Likewise, computer science is always
> in English (there are still significant amounts of scholarship in
> other subjects, e.g., mathematics, which are published in other
> languages such as Russian or French, but computer science is
> universally in English only, even in Europe, Israel, China, etc.,
> which use other languages for some other subjects).

I don't have any strong argument against this. But, I made it clear in
my preface to the hard-print edition. I will enclose the same here in
response to your comments.

Excerpts....

At the same time we do not claim that this would serve the whole
purpose to create new literature related to computers in Sanskrit. It
is just a primer step, which is yet to take a complete path.

Creation of literature related to contemporary subjects and sciences
is a sign of any living language. The modern world moves with science.
Technical literature on developments in sciences is probably written
in English. Textbooks on these subjects are also authored in English.
The same literature is made available in Russia, France, German,
Japan, China and other countries in their own languages. We also find
some efforts to write such technical books in Hindi, which is our most
widely used national language. Similar efforts are made to create
technical literature in other Indian languages also. Though the
success of such translations is still in question, it would certainly
not a waste of time and efforts to publish such literature in these
languages. We should keep the long life of these languages in view
while thinking about them. Anything written in them will be a great
base for their sustenance. We must welcome such efforts. It is true in
the case of Sanskrit also. Some are of the opinion that Sanskrit being
a classical language need not be considered as a spoken language and
for the same reason the creation of such modern literature is a waste
of time and energy. Nevertheless, not keeping the space for Sanskrit
among living spoken languages, one can not reject the necessity of
creation of such technical literature for the reason that Sanskrit has
all capacity to provide room for creation and coining new technical
words basing on the roots of Sanskrit and on the sound base of

grammar. This capacity of Sanskrit has been tested many times for
coining of new technical terms. In fact not only Indian languages, but

also English and other languages also borrow Sanskrit roots for

generation of new technical words. It is again high time to prove the
power of Sanskrit language by creating literature in Sanskrit about

computers. I understand this effort is worth with this objective.

As I and Sri Shrikanta Jamadagni, who believe in the traditional way
of scholarship, think that this kind of effort will not at all harmful
for the tradition. We have tried our best to follow the tradition in
many aspects with a greater care. Since this is still in testing
stage, one should not take this as final one. While putting these
terms in use in case you feel that any word is not appropriate, please
let us know your opinion. It will help us in improving and correcting
the current version of Dictionary. We request the users of this
dictionary to give their feedback with out any hesitation.

/End

> Seeking to deal
> primarily in a different language seems quite incongruous, sort of
> like the insistence of some European/Eurocentric Indologists that only
> German-language works in Indology are to be considered of value.
>
> The accuracy of quite a few of the Sanskrit translations is also
> somewhat questionable -- they seem to capture the literal word-
> meanings of the FOLDOC originals, but stray from the correct computing
> senses because the original English words are often idiomatic. See
> for example words like heap, newsgroup, node, noise. Some others are
> really not translated at all, e.g., hash function. Some translations
> could be completely misunderstood by someone who knows Sanskrit
> primarily; e.g., अब्जाष्टकानि.
>

Yes. The terms selected are yet to be carefully examined from all
aspects. We welcome the expert opinion.

regards,
shrivara

> words and definitions from the FOLDOC dictionary (http://www.foldoc.org).  Credit to that source needs to be given explicitly,

> and copyright concerns would need to be addressed first before any
> publication (your translation will have to accept the terms of the GNU

> Free Documentation License -- seehttp://foldoc.org/?Free+On-line+Dictionary

[sadasivamurty rani]

Dear All learned members of this BVparishat! Pranams to all! At the Out set let me congratulate  SRI SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI Ji for his excellent task of bringing out a Sanskrit Dictionary for Computers. He is capable of doing it and he deserves all appreciation too.  The other members of his team also should equally be congratulated for this achievement. Srinivasa Varakhedi ji as I know him is a man of vision.  Now the time has come for the materialization of his thoughts in an appropriate manner. Of course I could not open the files of BVP though I followed the directions given by the other members to visits the files. I shall try once again shortly to visit it again. By the by I would like to add here a few lines to Shrisha Rao Ji also. Shrisha Ji! I have been observing all your postings in this Parishat discussions.  Your verbal power, style of expression, sound logic and frankness in conveying whatever you think right are all highly impressive and praise worthy.  You are hundred percent right from your point of view.  As in all your other earler postings in this mail also you have maintained your mark and dignity. IT surely reflects your degree of your high lettteredness. Yes.  Not only from your point of view but also from the view of people of all other modern knowledge disciplines also it seems to be ingruous to bring out such exercises in Sanskrit. I am sorry to express my ignorance as far as your field of specialization is concerned.  But as a Sanskritist I submit the following thoghts for your consideration and also for the sake of other members of this kind of thinking. 1.  Experts of any other field of knowledge can confine themselves to their bread, their own research findings and their own pursuits being governed by some spatio-temporal conditioning factors. But the target before Sanskritists is certainly much much much different from all that of others.  Sanskritists have to shoulder the responsibility of taking the content and quantity of Sanskrit to the future generations with everfreshness. 2.  In this attempt Sanskritists should accept every challenge to prove the Relevance of Sanskrit in the Modern World. As it is known to all Only such languages which maintain an ever dynamic spirit can be ever living.  Those languages which are static are considered dead.  So Participation of Sanskritits in bringing out Literature with contemporary themes, bringing out technical writings, translations and lexicons and so on are all essential in the modern world. 3.  These types of exercises are certainly not to prove our over enthusiasm but surely to inspire the future generations, surely to prove the abilities of Sanskritists in participating in the modern scientific and technical pursuits etc., 4. At this juncutre I would like to underscore a thought. The present Sanskrit students are not just restricted to learn mere Sanskrit Sastra Texts in a mere traditional way.  Their efforts are also not just limited to become some teachers again in any conventional institutions. The state of affairs is completely getting changed.  Now they are at the threshold of the New Horizons of Sanskrit World. Our students are proving their merit and worth in multidisicplinary pursuits. 5. So Dictionaries of this kind inspire those students to take up the message further.  They extend the search further and expand the vision further. 6. Certainly this is not an attempt to supplaunt the exisitng practice but to supplement the field with a great strength of originality. In this attempt if any mistakes are found the true spirit lies in finding out the ways for rectifying them but not in total denial of the zeal of the mission. 7. One more thought I would like to add here. In almost all modern Indian Languages we have Technical and Scientific lexicons for subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology and so on besides their originals in English. In my personal collection I have 138 dictionaries of that kind. Here we have to concentrate on two points. 1.  How many people need such dictionaries? Still those writings are produced. 2.  In the process of preparing those dictionaries in these regional languages the assistance of Sanskrit is inevitably taken.  So in the attempt of bringing out Computer Lexicons in these regional languages people may take the help of this present Computer Dictionary in Sanskrit.   So let us all hope positively.  Let us support the mission and movement. Shrisha Ji my present attempt is surely not to say something against you but to share with all my veiws regarding the need of this mission in the modern times. Best Wishes, Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty --- On Sun, 4/19/09, Shrisha Rao <shrish...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Shrisha Rao]

El abr 16, 2009, a las 11:24 p.m., SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI escribió:

[...]

> This dictionary is published for the first time by Sanskrit Academy,
> Hyd for testing purpose. The Pdf is made available free for
> researchers. Your feedback is valuable for us.

The document seems to be a literal translation into Sanskrit of some

Regards,

Shrisha Rao

> File is uploaded in BVParishat.
>
> regards,
> shrivara

[Jagan Nadh]

2009/4/19 Shrisha Rao <shrish...@gmail.com>

Tis dictionary will people who is working in Sanskrit localization. Whether the knowledge originally describes in English or Sanskrit doesn't matter. In 21st cent. relevance of local languages are increasing. It products will be appearing with local language interface, say Mobile Phone with Sanskrit interface and SMS service. Complete Office suite with Sanskrit interface(available in DIT released Sanskrit Software CD). In such a scenario the dictonary is relevant. It is the duty of a  good sanskritist to facilitate development and use fo Sanskrit oriented or Sanskrit interfaced IT products. That which i belives. 

 

[Shrisha Rao]

El abr 19, 2009, a las 11:50 p.m., sadasivamurty rani escribió:

> By the by I would like to add here a few lines to Shrisha Rao Ji also.

Thanks for your kind words. As for this:

> 1. Experts of any other field of knowledge can confine themselves
> to their bread, their own research findings and their own pursuits
> being governed by some spatio-temporal conditioning factors. But the
> target before Sanskritists is certainly much much much different
> from all that of others. Sanskritists have to shoulder the
> responsibility of taking the content and quantity of Sanskrit to the
> future generations with everfreshness.

No real argument, of course. Sanskrit is not just a language, but
also a gateway to express a lot of deeper content. This of course is
quite unique among languages.

> 2. In this attempt Sanskritists should accept every challenge to
> prove the Relevance of Sanskrit in the Modern World.
> As it is known to all Only such languages which maintain an ever
> dynamic spirit can be ever living. Those languages which are static
> are considered dead. So Participation of Sanskritits in bringing
> out Literature with contemporary themes,
> bringing out technical writings, translations and lexicons and so on
> are all essential in the modern world.

Perhaps you are right and there is a failure of imagination on my
part, but I would courteously differ, though only in the sense that I
would regard Sanskritists as being under no obligation to accept
challenges from misinformed or ill-motivated people. Description of
languages as dead or living (or "classical," in our country) is done,
alas, largely to serve political or parochial agendas. Even
definitions of "living" languages as those with a certain number of
living native speakers, a style favored by SIL International, is not
universally accepted (SIL itself has been criticized as not being
unbiased, and for using the garb of science to further its missionary
agenda).

The subjects and literature of Sanskrit can pull their own weight,
without having to suffer contortions to copy the styles and standards
of others.

> 3. These types of exercises are certainly not to prove our over
> enthusiasm but surely to inspire the future generations, surely to
> prove the abilities of Sanskritists in participating in the modern
> scientific and technical pursuits etc.,

That is correct to an extent, but Sanskrit and its subjects can surely
prove their relevance to today's world by meeting the computing
sciences and other contemporary disciplines in more direct and
impressive ways than mere translation. For instance, it would be
absolutely wonderful to see some of the principles of न्याय
be used to take on computation theory and mathematical logic. The
modern development of logic has no notion of व्याप्ति
at all, for instance, and computation theory only deals with functions
on natural numbers, an approach that has its limitations. It is not
difficult to see why a proper fusion of the classical and the modern
could bring very interesting (and useful) results.

Regards,

Shrisha Rao

> Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty

[SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI]

It's really an interesting and useful debate. Both the sides have some
common point. There are no extreme contentions here. After reading
these positions and counter-positions, I think we should balance
between the both.

The points raised by Dr.R.Sadshiva Murty ji are based on realty and
experience. On the other hand the opinion expressed by Dr.Shrisha Rao
reflects the expectations of modern scholars from Sanskrit community.

> That is correct to an extent, but Sanskrit and its subjects can surely  
> prove their relevance to today's world by meeting the computing  
> sciences and other contemporary disciplines in more direct and  
> impressive ways than mere translation.  For instance, it would be  
> absolutely wonderful to see some of the principles of न्याय  
> be used to take on computation theory and mathematical logic.  The  
> modern development of logic has no notion of व्याप्ति  
> at all, for instance, and computation theory only deals with functions  
> on natural numbers, an approach that has its limitations.  It is not  
> difficult to see why a proper fusion of the classical and the modern  
> could bring very interesting (and useful) results.
>

I agree to this point made by Shrisha Rao. Such research work needs
fine brains with rigorous training in both the fields. Or a team with
the sole interest should work for years to achieve this goal. This
requires U tern in Sanskrit Research. The present mindset of Sanskrit
community needs a shift. Though i have been working in the same field
for lat 8 years, i have not gained confidence to achieve some
breakthrough results.

Regarding translation and other similar works i have made my points
clear in my preiv. mail. I thank Dr.Sadashiva Murty ji for his
brilliant arguments.

regards,
shrivara

[vaidikagramanirman]

namaste,

I have been thinking a lot on this - English to Sanskrit Information
technology Dictionary is a good precursor to the much needed
developing a Sanskrit to English dictionary.

And copyrights - it will be great fun to have a dharma legal yuddha.
There are two laws that protect Indian publishing of Indian material
under UNO

1. geographic indicators
2. traditional knowledge

On Apr 16, 10:54 pm, SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI <shriv...@gmail.com> wrote:

[S P Narang]

Sanskrit scholars have developed a number of types of dictionaries  based on Phonetics, multi-form ( aneka-rupa); many meaning ( anekartha), comparative ( Like Rajavyavahaarakosha); indices and a number of varieties. They in a modified form may profitable be used in computer. It shall save a lot of labour to generate fresh dictionaries for computer.A few details are found in my book of lexicography: Sanskrit kosasastra ke vividha aayaama published by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan. Huge material from Manuscripts is lying in my collection which was a UGC project. Recently I published and revised a paper on  : some less-known Vedic lexicons: at a seminar of National Mission of Manuscript and a paper on latest issue of Sanskrit Vimarsa of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan. A few papers including at Sanskrit Akademi at Delhi were read on the same issue of computer including the methodology of input in computer. Unfortunately it was not published and I have no time
for the electronic version for the scholars. If needed to anyone, I may send the information to individual scholars. Any matter available will be received with thanks for my publication in future. Regards, SP Narang

----- Original Message ----
From: SRINIVASA VARAKHEDI <shri...@gmail.com>
To: भारतीयविद्वत्परिषत् <bvpar...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 8:53:43 AM
Subject: Re: Sanskrit Dictionary for computers