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DOI :10.26650/jol.2023.1408899   IUP :10.26650/jol.2023.1408899    Full Text (PDF)

Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought

Emel Topçu

Turks have spread across a vast geography from ancient times to the present. Their traditions, lifestyles, language, and intellectual life are integral parts of their culture and play a significant role in defining Turkish identity. Each component reflects Turkish identity. Another significant element in revealing the identity of society is the way of life and thought. It shows language thoughts according to the assumptions of “linguistic determinism” in linguistics. According to this, every word in the language represents the thought system of the community. Therefore, ideas are defined and concretised through words. Each word serves as a symbol of Turkish intellectual life. The adoption of Buddhism and Manichaean beliefs marked a new concept in the Turkish thought system, particularly with the shift towards a sedentary lifestyle among the Uighurs. Turks with these new beliefs read and comprehend religious texts written in Chinese and Sanskrit. The Abhidharma texts are philosophical writings that demonstrate Buddhist understanding. During the translation, the word-making rules of Turkish were fully utilised. However, certain Buddhist terms, names of individuals, titles of works and chapters, and place names were retained in the Turkish pronunciation of their Sanskrit origins. The purpose of this article is to highlight the relationship between the Sanskrit words used by ancient Uighurs and Buddhist beliefs and Turkish intellectual life, based on the Abhidharma texts. The document review method was used in this study. Sanskrit words are examined in alphabetical order in Abhidharmakośabhāṣya-Ṭīkā Tattvārtha. The Sanskrit words were sourced from the Latin-letter transcription of Masahiro Shōgaito's study of the Uighur Abhidarma Texts in 2008.

Keywords: Old Uighur, language, linguistic determinism, thought, sanskrit words
DOI :10.26650/jol.2023.1408899   IUP :10.26650/jol.2023.1408899    Full Text (PDF)

Dil-Düşünce İlişkisi Bağlamında Eski Uygurcada Kullanılan Sanskritçe Sözcüklerin Türk Düşünce Şekline Yansıması

Emel Topçu

Türkler geçmiş çağlardan günümüze geniş bir coğrafya içine yayılmıştır. Gelenekleri, yaşam şekilleri, dilleri ve düşünce hayatları ortak kültürün önemli parçalarıdır. Her bir parça Türk kimliğinin bir yansımasıdır. Toplum kimliğini göstermesi bakımından inceleme altına alınan önemli unsurlardan biri de düşünce şekli ve hayatıdır. Dilbilimdeki “dilsel belirlemecilik” hipotezine göre dil düşünceyi gösterir. Buna göre dile ait her bir sözcük aslında topluluğun düşünce sistemini yansıtır. Yani sözcükler düşüncenin somutlaştırarak tanımlanmasını sağlar. Eski Uygurların yerleşik yaşama geçmesiyle birlikte özellikle Budizm ve Maniheizm inançları Türklük düşünce sistemi için yeni bir oluşumdur. Bu yeni inançların dairesine giren Türkler; Çince ve Sankritçe ile yazılmış dinî metinleri okuyup anlamak istemişlerdir. Abhidharma metinleri Budist anlayışın gösterildiği felsefi yazılardır. Bu metinlere çeviri yaparken Türkçenin söz yapımı kuralları tüm derinliğiyle kullanılmıştır. Ancak özellikle birçok Budizm terimi, kişi adları, eser adları ve bölüm adları, yer adları Sanskritçe asıllarının Türkçe söyleyişiyle çeviride bırakılmıştır. Bu makalenin amacı da Abhidharma metinlerinden yola çıkılarak Budist inancına sahip Eski Uygurların yazıda kullandığı Sanskritçe sözcükleri dil-düşünce bağlamında Türk düşünce hayatı ile ilişkisini göstermektir. Çalışmada doküman inceleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. AbhidharmakośabhāṣyaṬīkā Tattvārtha metninde yer alan Sanskritçe sözcükler alfabetik sırayla incelenmiştir. Sanskritçe sözcükler, Masahiro Shōgaito’nun 2008 tarihli Uighur Abhidharma Text: A Philological Study with Introduction çalışmasındaki latin harfli transkripsiyonundan alınmıştır.

Keywords: Eski Uygurca, dil, dilsel belirlemecilik, düşünce, Sankritçe sözcükler

EXTENDED ABSTRACT


This study embarks on an exhaustive exploration of the intricate interplay between societal dynamics and the evolution of thought within communities, with a specific focus on the Old Turkish language. Through a multidimensional lens, this study meticulously investigates the profound impact of Sanskrit on the linguistic development of Turkish, particularly within the realms of belief systems. The research endeavours to unravel the nuanced processes through which new words emerge within the Turkish lexicon, probing the dichotomy between organic linguistic evolution and intentional lexical contributions by individuals. At its core, this study grapples with the perennial question of whether language serves as a medium shaping human thought or if entrenched thought patterns, in turn, give rise to language.

The study begins by postulating that the expressive capability of language is fundamental to human cognition, positing that every thought and emotion finds its most accurate and accessible expression through language. At the heart of this linguistic exploration are words, the elemental building blocks of language, which serve to concretise abstract concepts in the realm of human consciousness. Grounded in a thorough examination of written texts, this research discerns and identifies words to unveil the prevailing thought patterns embraced by a specific community, shedding light on the intricate interdependence of language and thought.

Central to this study is the argument that language, with its structures and nuances, plays a pivotal role in shaping human perspectives and worldviews. Drawing inspiration from the early linguists who delved into the relationship between language and thought, this research systematically explores Abhidharma texts, a genre revered for its intersection of language and philosophy. Against the backdrop of Turkish civilisation, one of the world’s oldest, the study contends that the Turks possess a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in a profound connexion to nature and a distinctive worldview.

A significant segment of the research delves into the linguistic metamorphosis of the Old Uighur community, especially after their transition to a settled urban life influenced by Buddhism and Manichaeism. This thesis meticulously examines the integration of Sanskrit into the Uighur written language, notably within the Abhidharma texts, seeking to unveil the intricate dynamics of its impact on Turkish thought and expression.

This study meticulously highlights the linguistic contributions of Sanskrit to the Turkish language, showcasing how Sanskrit words, particularly those embedded in Abhidharma texts, were seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the Uighur language. This assimilation of Sanskrit terms into the religious and philosophical discourse of the Turks serves as a compelling testament to the dynamic relationship between language and thought.

In exploring the cultural context of Turkish civilisation, the research elucidates the profound connexion between language, thought, and societal values. This study contends that as a living repository of cultural identity, language is not merely a tool for communication but a vessel that carries the collective wisdom, beliefs, and aspirations of a community. In this regard, the research delves into the linguistic kaleidoscope of the Turkish people, deciphering how words reflect the ebb and flow of historical, social, and philosophical currents.

Moreover, the thesis expands its inquiry into the philosophical underpinnings of Abhidharma texts, exploring how the intricate web of Sanskrit terms within these texts has shaped the philosophical landscape of Turkish thought. This study posits that the integration of Sanskrit terms into Turkish religious and philosophical discourse is not merely a linguistic phenomenon but a profound cultural exchange that has enriched the conceptual framework of Turkish intellectual traditions.

As the research unfurls the tapestry of linguistic evolution, it underscores the dynamic nature of language, emphasising its capacity to adapt and assimilate external influences. Sanskrit's assimilation terms into Turkish not only underscores linguistic adaptability but also mirrors the cultural openness of the Turks to diverse intellectual traditions. This study contends that this linguistic assimilation is not a one-sided process; rather, it exemplifies the reciprocal relationship between languages and cultures.

In conclusion, this study underscores the paramount importance of linguistic analysis in unravelling the complexities of thought evolution and the pivotal role that language plays as a reflective mirror of cultural and philosophical nuances within a community. The comprehensive examination of Sanskrit’s influence on Turkish thought not only enriches our understanding of linguistic evolution but also contributes to a broader comprehension of the intricate tapestry of cultural interconnectedness. Through this scholarly endeavour, the research aims to deepen our appreciation for the profound ways in which language serves as a vessel for the transmission and preservation of thought across diverse civilisations and epochs. Ultimately, this study serves as a testament to the enduring dialogue between Sanskrit and Turkish, weaving together the threads of linguistic heritage and intellectual traditions in the rich tapestry of human civilisation.


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APA

Topçu, E. (2024). Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought. The Journal of Linguistics, 0(41), 15-52. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


AMA

Topçu E. Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought. The Journal of Linguistics. 2024;0(41):15-52. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


ABNT

Topçu, E. Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought. The Journal of Linguistics, [Publisher Location], v. 0, n. 41, p. 15-52, 2024.


Chicago: Author-Date Style

Topçu, Emel,. 2024. “Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought.” The Journal of Linguistics 0, no. 41: 15-52. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


Chicago: Humanities Style

Topçu, Emel,. “Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought.” The Journal of Linguistics 0, no. 41 (Nov. 2024): 15-52. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


Harvard: Australian Style

Topçu, E 2024, 'Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought', The Journal of Linguistics, vol. 0, no. 41, pp. 15-52, viewed 22 Nov. 2024, https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


Harvard: Author-Date Style

Topçu, E. (2024) ‘Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought’, The Journal of Linguistics, 0(41), pp. 15-52. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899 (22 Nov. 2024).


MLA

Topçu, Emel,. “Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought.” The Journal of Linguistics, vol. 0, no. 41, 2024, pp. 15-52. [Database Container], https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


Vancouver

Topçu E. Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought. The Journal of Linguistics [Internet]. 22 Nov. 2024 [cited 22 Nov. 2024];0(41):15-52. Available from: https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899 doi: 10.26650/jol.2023.1408899


ISNAD

Topçu, Emel. “Reflection of Sanskrit Words Used in the Old Uighuran Language on the Context of the Language-Thought of Turkish Thought”. The Journal of Linguistics 0/41 (Nov. 2024): 15-52. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2023.1408899



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Submitted23.12.2023
Accepted10.01.2024
Published Online30.05.2024

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