1. Latin and Greek:
* Etymology: Latin and Greek, from which English derives much of its vocabulary, were themselves influenced by Sanskrit. This is evident in the shared roots of words like "father" (Latin *pater*, Sanskrit *pitr-), "brother" (Latin *frater*, Sanskrit *bhrātr-), and "mother" (Latin *mater*, Sanskrit *mātṛ-).
* Philosophy and Science: Latin and Greek borrowed scientific and philosophical concepts from Sanskrit, which were later transmitted into English. For instance, the Greek word "atom" is derived from the Sanskrit "anu," meaning "atom" or "particle."
2. Borrowed words from other languages:
* Hindi and other Indo-Aryan languages: English has borrowed words like "avatar," "yoga," "karma," and "mantra" from Hindi and other languages that were themselves influenced by Sanskrit.
* Other Indian languages: English also picked up words like "bandicoot," "bungalow," "curry," and "jungle" through interactions with Indian traders and colonial administrators.
3. Cultural influence:
* Religious and spiritual concepts: The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism on Western thought has introduced terms like "nirvana," "dharma," and "samsara" into English.
* Literature and art: Sanskrit literature, particularly the epic poems Ramayana and Mahabharata, have inspired Western writers and artists.
4. Linguistic studies:
* Comparative linguistics: The study of Sanskrit, along with other Indo-European languages, has been crucial in understanding the evolution and history of English.
* Etymology and lexicography: Sanskrit has provided valuable insights into the origins and meanings of words, contributing to the development of English dictionaries and thesauruses.
Therefore, although not directly influencing English vocabulary or grammar, Sanskrit has played a crucial role in shaping the language indirectly through its impact on Latin, Greek, and other languages, as well as through its contribution to cultural exchange and linguistic studies.