Multiplicity of Meaning and Interpretation in Language: Revisiting the Dhvani Theory

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_17How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Dhvani; Dhvanyartha; Lakshyartha

Abstract

The Dhvani Theory is a prominent tool of literary criticism in Indian linguistics that emphasises the Dhvanyartha or the suggestive meaning, which is the third meaning in the three levels of meaning: literal meaning, intended meaning, and suggested meaning. The suggested meaning is, therefore, the most crucial level, as it enables the reader to commit to the work on a more resonant level and derive multiple interpretations. The Dhvani Theory has been limited to poetry and literature in Sanskrit and is criticised for its subjectivity and emphasis on suggestion. This research paper focuses on the Dhvani Theory and its ability to give multiple meanings to singular sentences, statements or words in all languages. It argues that the Dhvani theory is still relevant, beneficial, and applicable in contemporary literature and language. The theory enables one to engage with language and literature more profoundly and derive multiple interpretations, which is essential in the modern world of diversity. The Dhvani theory ensures that its acceptance is valued. The paper concentrates on the Dhvani Theory in practice and responds to criticisms of the theory. It highlights its benefits, such as developing critical thinking ability, emotional intelligence, significant argumentation skills, brilliance in imagination and problem-solving ability. Ultimately, it demonstrates the significance of the Dhvani Theory and the strengths and benefits it provides by enabling the multiplicity of meaning and interpretation in literature.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Akash Sadanand Naik Salgaonkar
AU  - Walter Menezes
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/11/10
TI  - Multiplicity of Meaning and Interpretation in Language: Revisiting the Dhvani Theory
BT  - Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference, Anubhuti: Revitalizing Indian Knowledge Systems for the Modern World (ICIKS 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 238
EP  - 266
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_17
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_17
ID  - Salgaonkar2025
ER  -