Why is the Devanagari script called a scientific script?
The Devanagari script is often referred to as a "scientific script" due to its phonetic nature and the systematic way it represents sounds. Here's a breakdown of why:
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Phonetic Accuracy:
Devanagari is highly phonetic, meaning there is a near one-to-one correspondence between the written characters and the sounds they represent. Ideally, if you know how a character is pronounced, you can pronounce the word correctly, and vice versa.
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Systematic Arrangement:
The script is organized in a logical manner based on the articulation points in the mouth. Vowels and consonants are grouped by where they are produced (e.g., throat, palate, teeth). This systematic arrangement makes it easier to learn and understand the script.
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Comprehensive Sound Coverage:
Devanagari includes a wide range of sounds, accommodating many of the sounds found in Sanskrit and related languages. It has characters for sounds that may not exist in other writing systems.
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Consistent Pronunciation:
Unlike some languages where the same letter can have multiple pronunciations depending on the context, Devanagari generally maintains a consistent pronunciation for each character. This consistency reduces ambiguity.
While "scientific" might be a strong term, the regularity, precision, and systematic nature of Devanagari make it well-suited for representing language in a clear and unambiguous way.