Aspects of a Book -5: Ten Faults and Ten Merits (Part 3)

Scientific writing is all about precision. The sixth fault is 'ambiguity' (mayanga vaithal). Clarity is crucial, as emphasized in 'vilanga vaithal.' Be it a single word or an entire paragraph it must convey the intended meaning clearly. A good author should consider the reader's perspective to ensure the message is understood as intended.

For example, the Tamil phrase 'meen thinra paiyan' (literally 'fish eaten boy') can be interpreted in two ways:

1. The boy who ate fish

2. The boy who was eaten by a fish

Such ambiguity should be avoided to maintain clarity.

The seventh fault is 'composing empty verses or phrases' (vetrena thoduthal). Authors sometimes add content that doesn't add value, which can dilute the text's rigor and spoil its style and tone. In contrast, the sixth merit is 'being profound' (aalam udaithu aathal). Every word should be valuable, enriching the reader's understanding.

Thirukkural exemplifies profound writing. This didactic work is appreciated by people of all ages and social strata, offering various levels of meaning and inspiring greatness.

The eighth fault is 'digression' (matronru virithal), contrasted by the seventh merit, 'proper organization' (muraiyin vaippu). Digression occurs when an author explains prerequisite concepts, losing focus on the main topic. This can be avoided by organizing concepts, chapters, and text parts properly. Footnotes, endnotes, and references can also help keep the main text focused.

Tamil texts, especially grammar works, are logically structured. Tholkaappiyam, the oldest extant Tamil grammar treatise, is divided into three books: Phonology (eluthu), Morphology and Syntax (Sol), and Content and Context Grammar (Porul), each further divided into nine subsections. This arrangement reflects the logical progression from phonemes to morphemes to phrases and texts.

The eighth merit, 'not contradicting canons or traditions' (ulagam malaiyaamai), advises authors to align with established traditions and texts. Nannool, like other Tamil grammars, doesn't demand adherence to old practices simply because they are old. It sanctions changes necessitated by time:

palaiyana kalithalum, puthiyana puguthalum

valuvala kaala vagaiyi naane.

?

Removing the old and adding the new

Is not wrong, (since) they are (the result) of (the passage of) time.

?

Thus, the eighth merit is not a blanket rule but one that should be approached logically. Traditions that have stood the test of time have reasons for their existence, and authors should understand and follow them while exercising literary freedom.

The ninth fault is 'losing vigor towards the end' (senru theynthu iruthal). Maintaining style and rigor throughout the text is crucial; diminishing quality indicates a lack of interest or proficiency.

The tenth fault and ninth merit are in contrast:

- Tenth fault: 'Having useless elements' (ninru payan inmai)

- Ninth merit: 'Providing great value' (vilumiyathu payathal)

'Ninru payan inmai' is the Chekhov's rifle of scientific writing: every element, from a single word to an entire chapter, should contribute to the central idea. Unnecessary elements, no matter the justification, should be removed.

Conversely, the text should provide great value to the reader (vilumiyathu payathal), offering benefits ranging from the gratification of musical words to the ultimate virtues of aram (virtue), porul (wealth), inbam (joy), and veedu (liberation).

The tenth merit is 'being a good example' or 'having ample examples' (vilangu uthaaranathathu aakuthal). The text should exemplify the rules it proposes and existing rules. It should also contain sufficient examples to help readers understand the rules practically.

Often, commentators provide suitable examples, but it's not unusual for authors to incorporate examples within their texts.

Nannool itself exemplifies the writing rules it espouses, and its commentators provide excellent examples for the grammar rules it contains.

Here’s a summary of the ten faults and the ten merits once again for your easy reference:

(The merits are listed in contrast with the faults for better understanding – the highlighted merits indicate that these are not the direct contrasts of their corresponding faults!)

Tholkaappiyam also lists ten faults, some similar to those in Nannool. Interested readers may refer to the text for further insights (I might post about it in the future).

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We shall discuss the thirty two writing techniques (thanthira uththi) in the next editions. Please subscribe to my Newsletter ‘Ancient Insights’ for updates on new articles and editions. Feel free to Share/Repost and Comment. Write to me if you are willing to contribute. Thanks!