IAST (International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration) is a system for transliteration of Indic scripts into the Latin script. It is widely used in academic and linguistic circles to accurately represent the pronunciation and phonetics of Indic languages, particularly Sanskrit, Pali, and some modern South Asian languages.
The IAST system was developed to address the challenges faced in representing the complex phonetic structures and diverse sounds present in Indic languages. It uses a standardized set of diacritic marks, also known as diacritics, to modify Latin letters and create unique characters for the specific sounds found in these languages. These diacritics indicate various phonetic attributes like nasalization, aspiration, and retroflex sounds.
The use of IAST allows for uniformity and consistency in transliteration, enabling scholars and language enthusiasts to accurately read, write, and study Indic languages without ambiguity. It is considered a more comprehensive and accurate system compared to other transliteration methods due to its precision in representing the sounds of the original script.
IAST is commonly used in academic publications, dictionaries, textbooks, and digital resources related to Indic languages. It facilitates cross-linguistic research, comparative linguistics, and the study of ancient texts such as Hindu scriptures, Buddhist texts, and classical literature.
Overall, IAST serves as an essential tool in transcending the script barrier and enabling the study and interpretation of Indic languages within a global linguistic context.
