Illustrations of the Phenomenon of Linguistic Blindness in a Target Language (Hindi).

Two examples of linguistic blindness (the inability of the native teacher/speaker to assess objectively certain features of the language) in the Hindi language are chosen for discussion. Problems in the accurate description of nominal and pronominal declension are dealt with. A study of post-positions is also included, since the declension system would be incomplete without them. It appears that grammarians have not described the declension system as it really exists today: traditionalists have attempted to describe it according to the Sanskritic case system, while simplists have tried to use a two-case system that ignores or omits certain forms. It can be said that Hindi made a transition away from Sanskrit. An objective description of pronominal case as it exists today is proposed. Finally, a few elements in English are discussed that may not be clearly presented to the non-native student of English, possibly because of linguistic blindness. (Author/JB)