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Apabhrahsha

Apabhrahsha is a concept from ancient Indian linguistic tradition referring to alternative or incorrect pronunciations and variations of words. It highlights how words can shift or change over time, influenced by regional dialects, mispronunciations, or transcription errors. Recognizing Apabhrahsha helps linguists understand language evolution, preserve accurate meanings, and study historical texts. Essentially, it captures the dynamic, fluid nature of spoken language and the way words can transform across different contexts and periods.