Week 3: Pronunciation and Recitation Basics
This week is designed as a 60-minute self-study lesson. Read aloud first, then translate.
Aim of the Week
Develop slow, clear recitation habits. Sanskrit reading improves when the mouth, ear, and eye work together.
Core Pattern
Do not read Sanskrit silently at first. Read aloud, then translate. Pronunciation is a reading tool.
| Feature | Example | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Long vowel | rāmaḥ | Hold ā clearly. |
| Aspirated consonant | bhavati | Let bh be one sound with breath. |
| Visarga | namaḥ | Release softly after the vowel. |
Translation Practice
- नमः।
namaḥ. - रामः गच्छति।
rāmaḥ gacchati. - अर्जुनः पश्यति।
arjunaḥ paśyati. - कृष्णः वदति।
kṛṣṇaḥ vadati.
Answer key
- Reverence. / Homage.
- Rāma goes.
- Arjuna sees.
- Kṛṣṇa speaks.
Recitation Guidance
Use a three-step method: read the Devanāgarī, read the IAST, then read Devanāgarī again without looking at the transliteration.
Vocabulary
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| गच्छति | gacchati | goes |
| पश्यति | paśyati | sees |
| वदति | vadati | speaks |
| भवति | bhavati | becomes/is |
| नमः | namaḥ | reverence; homage |
Self-Check
- Can you pronounce aspirated consonants as one sound?
- Can you avoid shortening long vowels?