Re: 'R': Vowel or Consonant?
Rao Veluri (rveluri@smtpgate.anl.gov)
Wed, 26 Feb 97 15:32:53 CST
Sree Ramana in response to RAO@FCRFV1.NCIFCRF.GOV post
writes (2/26/97 2:44 PM):
"---From what I gathered, the reason for 'R' ans '~l' being
vowels has more to do with metaphysics than linguistics.
I find this as the most convincing argument. Whichever
way one puts it, I can't think of 'R' and 'l' being vowels.---"
Some of us who have no inkling of metaphysics or the vEdaas,
grew up learning Telugu from the 'pedda baala siksha.' And,
it says 'R' (the letter we used to pronounce as arru - written
as 'bu' with another kommu) and '~l' ( which we used to pronounce
as 'alu' and whose wide useage by the purists in the word 'kliptamu')
are vowels(acculu).
_________________
Begin Side Bar:
I found the following in sulakshaNasaaramu.
ka. '~l' 'lu' 'R' 'lu' 'm' 'Ch' 'jh' 'n' 'T' 'd' 'dh' 'N'
dalu navabaNamulunu raLalu daga nakshalun
nelakoni padyamukhaMbuna
niluparu satkavulu saastra nindyamu laguTan
vivaraNa:(not RIT) alu alU aru arU injna cha jha iNi Ta da dha
Na da na va ba ra La ksha sa anunee aksharamulu
padya mukhamuna prayOgiMparaadu.
End Side Bar.
__________________
Now I am completely lost! Going bananas!!
Actually, I am reminded of a play by BamiDipaaTi
kaamESwara raavu. I think it is ka ca Ta ta pa lu.
In the beginning on the play, one of the
charcters comes on to the stage with a tight 'navvaru' band
around his head. He declares that his head is blsting up
with ideas; and that's why he has the band around it!
May be I should wear a band too!!
Regards.
Venkateswara Rao Veluri