Patrick S. D. McCartney, "Sanskrit-Speaking' Villages, Linguistic Utopias and the Metaphysics of Development" (Routledge, 2026)

About this episode

The episode discusses Patrick S. D. McCartney's exploration of Sanskrit-speaking villages and their role in contemporary development.

Sanskrit-Speaking' Villages, Linguistic Utopias and the Metaphysics of Development (Routledge, 2026) is a recollection of the McCartney's journey across 'Sanskritland, ' which is the term coined to refer to the utopian landscape within which the 'Language of the Gods' is thought to be spoken. There are three destinations on the author's journey. This study sheds light on how, why, and where Sanskrit is spoken in the twenty-first century, the complex and dynamic historical and contemporary that have allowed this, and how both yoga and Sanskrit are instruments for development and soft-power projects. This book is an essential read for scholars and students of linguistic anthropology, Indology, and sustainable development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

People in this episode

Guest: Patrick S. D. McCartney

Topics covered

• Sanskrit
• linguistic anthropology
• utopian landscapes
• development
• yoga
• Indology

Keywords

• Sanskrit
• linguistic utopias
• development
• yoga
• sustainable development
• Indology
• anthropology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Routledge

Places: Sanskritland, twenty-first century

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