Pic credit: Pexels|Polina Tankilevitch
By Surya Pillai
March 4, 2025: The influence of various linguistic origins has allowed the English language to develop over time into its extensive vocabulary and complex structure. The main, albeit usually ignored, source that shaped the English language is the ancient Indian language Sanskrit. This article traces the history of the English language and explores the fascinating connection between Sanskrit and English.
The Vedas, the Upanishads, and other holy Hindu writings were transmitted in Sanskrit, India’s sacred language, between 1500 BCE and 500 CE. Sanskrit was the primary language of ancient Indian philosophy, science, and literature. Due to its direct influence on the development of English and many other languages, Sanskrit has shaped many linguistic evolutions.
The primary way that Sanskrit influenced the evolution of the English language is through word borrowing. Sanskrit is the root of many English words, especially those used in philosophy, psychology, and science. The modern English word “yoga,” which means “to unite,” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj.” The word “nirvana,” which means “liberation” or “enlightenment,” comes from the Sanskrit word.
The English language incorporates a number of Sanskrit-derived concepts and ideas. “Karma” (action) and “dharma” (duty) were adopted into the English language for use, particularly in Eastern philosophical and spiritual contexts. In particular, the Sanskrit term chakra (wheel) is used in relation to yoga and meditation.
Numerous beneficial applications are revealed by scholarly research on the Sanskrit language and its impact on the English language. Examining the Sanskrit roots of English words fosters greater opportunities to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills. Students who study Sanskrit have access to philosophical and cultural knowledge from ancient India that helps explain aspects of Indian culture today.
In recent years, the academic study of Sanskrit and its influence on the development of the English language have become increasingly popular. Sanskrit is now valued by the academic community and linguistic experts as a crucial tool for understanding the evolution of the English language. Numerous educational institutions started teaching Sanskrit literature and Sanskrit studies as a result of the growing interest in the language.
Sanskrit has had a significant impact on the evolution of the English language, that has maintained the deep and complex relationship between the two languages. English’s vocabulary and linguistic structure are heavily influenced by Sanskrit, which has had a lasting impact on the language’s evolution. It is imperative that we continue to recognize Sanskrit is significant contribution to the development of the English language in order to comprehend the profound impact it has had on it.