Apabhramsa

/ˌɑːpəˈbræmʃə/ noun

Definition

A group of Middle Indo-Aryan languages spoken in medieval India that eventually developed into modern Indian languages.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'apa' (away) and 'bhramsha' (fall or corruption), literally meaning 'falling away,' as scholars viewed these as corrupted versions of Sanskrit.

Kelly Says

Medieval scholars didn't realize they were watching the birth of new languages—they called Apabhramsa 'corrupted Sanskrit,' not understanding that all living languages naturally change and evolve.

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