Mīmāṃsā's theory of language dives deep into the relationship between words and meanings. It rejects arbitrary associations, critiques the Grammarians' views, and proposes theories like Abhihitānvaya and Anvitābhidhāna to explain how words and sentences convey meaning.

The school also asserts the eternal nature of śabda, viewing language as a natural phenomenon. This perspective supports Vedic infallibility and shapes Mīmāṃsā's approach to scriptural interpretation, influencing broader philosophical debates across Indian traditions.

Mīmāṃsā Theory of Language

Mīmāṃsā theory of language

• Word-meaning relationship integrally connected words and referents rejecting arbitrary associations
• Sphoṭa theory critiqued Grammarians' view emphasizing individual letters as meaning-bearers (phonemes, morphemes)
• Abhihitānvaya theory posited words express individual meanings first then sentence meaning derived from combination (cat + sat + mat)
• Anvitābhidhāna theory argued words directly express meaning in relation to sentence enabling contextual understanding ("Time flies like an arrow")

Eternal nature of śabda

• Śabda exists as eternal entity neither created nor destroyed independent of speakers or listeners
• Words revealed not invented with human speech manifesting eternal words (like uncovering a hidden object)
• Akṛtrima nature of language viewed as natural phenomenon rejecting idea of language as human construct
• Eternal nature of śabda supported Vedic infallibility elevating status of sacred texts

Vedic authority in Mīmāṃsā

• Apauruṣeya nature of Vedas posited as eternal and uncreated rejecting divine or human authorship
• Svataḥ prāmāṇya of Vedic knowledge asserted inherent truth without need for external validation
• Linguistic interpretation focused on prescriptive statements (vidhi) emphasizing proper exegesis of Vedic commands
• Arthavāda served as explanatory passages supporting injunctions interpreting non-injunctive Vedic content

Significance of Mīmāṃsā language theory

• Contributed to pramāṇa theory establishing śabda as valid means of knowledge (verbal testimony)
• Implied metaphysical eternality of words and meanings exploring relationship between language and reality
• Sparked debates with other schools facing Buddhist critiques of eternal words and Nyāya views on conventional language
• Influenced later Indian philosophy impacting Vedānta's scriptural interpretation and shaping discussions across traditions