Gurukul International

Comparative Analysis of Eyewitness Testimony and Sphota Theory in Paninian Grammar

Renuka Panchal. (Ph.D. Scholar, M.Phil., M.A. Sanskrit – Gold Medalist, JRF-NET/SET, M.A. Clinical Psychology)
Ph.D. Student, Assistant Professor, at University of Mumbai Sanskrit Dept.
Contact – 9167393805, Email – renupanchal111@gmail.com

Abstract
This paper explores the intriguing intersection between the reliability of eyewitness testimony, a cornerstone issue in contemporary cognitive psychology and legal studies, and the ancient linguistic philosophy of Sphota theory within Paninian grammar. Eyewitness testimony, crucial in the judicial system, is well-documented for its potential fallibility, shaped by human cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and bias. Conversely, the Sphota theory, an integral part of Paninian grammar, offers a profound insight into the nature of language and comprehension, positing that the meaning of speech is grasped in a holistic, instantaneous revelation, rather than through the sequential processing of individual sounds or letters.
This comparative study employs a multidisciplinary approach, weaving together the threads of ancient linguistic philosophy and modern cognitive psychology to examine the mechanisms of understanding and interpretation in both fields. By analyzing the cognitive processes involved in the perception and comprehension of spoken language, as elucidated by Sphota theory, alongside the cognitive underpinnings of eyewitness testimony, the paper highlights the parallels and divergences in how information is processed, interpreted, and recalled.
The findings suggest that the Sphota theory’s emphasis on the instantaneous, holistic apprehension of meaning offers a unique lens through which to examine the vulnerabilities in eyewitness testimony, particularly the aspects of memory reconstruction and the influence of post-event information. The paper argues that insights from Paninian grammar can enrich our understanding of the cognitive biases and errors inherent in eyewitness accounts, offering theoretical and practical implications for both the field of linguistics and the legal system.
In conclusion, this comparative study not only bridges two seemingly disparate fields but also underscores the potential of ancient linguistic theories to inform and enhance contemporary understandings of cognitive processes, particularly in the context of legal evidence and its reliability.

Keywords – Sphota Theory, Eyewitness Testimony, Elizabeth Loftus, Paninian Grammar