Magadhi Prakrit is the language most likely spoken by Buddha Shakyamuni. The earliest Buddhist scriptures are written in the Pali and Sanskrit languages. Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language that originated in northern India. The Buddha encouraged his followers to use vernacular dialects instead of Sanskrit, which is a learned language. Pali is closely related to Sanskrit and Vedic dialects, but it is not directly descended from either.

Over time, languages such as Tibetan, Chinese, Nepali, and now English, along with many others, have helped transmit the dharma. Some ideas are lost in translation. The dharma is often more effectively expressed in the original Sanskrit and Pali. Given the value that ancient cultures place on the dharma, the words are often much more accurate and beautiful.

There are about 7,000 spoken languages in the world and about 300 writing systems. Researchers predict that more than half of the languages spoken today will be extinct within 100 years.

It’s important to recognize that language is constantly evolving, and that conveying ideas over centuries necessitates a continuous, skillful adaptation of the instructional language to maintain the meaning. Buddhism has been translated and continues to be translated into living languages so that the teachings will not fade away.

All languages are constantly adapting and changing to reflect changing lives, experiences, and cultures. Taking time to reflect on how the meanings of key terms shift and change within a single language as well as across languages broadens our understanding.

Reflect on how the meaning, power, or beauty of language can sometimes be lost when being translated or paraphrased. Interact with people who speak different languages, and explore how words they use todayhad different meanings before (such as the words “nice,” “artificial,” and “silly”).

• Which words or terms do you use that your elders don't use, and what words or terms do your elders use that you don't?

Analyze the evolution of dharma transmission across linguistic boundaries from Magadhi Prakrit to contemporary languages; evaluate the challenges and benefits of translating Buddhist concepts while preserving essential meaning; and synthesize understanding by comparing original Sanskrit/Pali terms with modern translations to demonstrate both what is gained and lost in cross-linguistic dharma preservation.