A Linguistic Study of Pronouns Mentioned in Sigiri Poems

In studying the Sinhala language used during the 8th, 9th, and 10th centuries, the written records found on the Sigiri mirror wall graffiti hold a highly significant place. The main objective of this study is to examine the nature of pronouns included in the Sigiri poems. Another objective of this study is to critically analyze the grammatical applications related to pronouns during that period. For data collection in this study, secondary sources were used, including the work Sigiri Graffiti written by Senarath Paranavitana. In addition, other books written on Sigiri poems and historical works related to the Sinhala language, as well as linguistic works, were also used in order to confirm further knowledge and research-based facts. A qualitative data analysis method was used as the research methodology, and a list of pronoun forms selected as a sample from the analysis of Sigiri poems was used for this purpose, while the required data were analyzed based on linguistic theories. It is possible to identify the early form of Sinhala pronouns with detailed structures through these inscriptions. Furthermore, due to continuous spoken usage and change, the original forms of Sinhala pronouns have evolved, and pronouns are not frequently found in ancient Sinhala inscriptions. The pronouns mentioned in these poems can mostly be compared with the Middle Indo-Aryan pronouns. Through these poems, several categories of pronouns such as personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, interrogative pronouns, reflexive pronouns, and other pronoun types were identified. Moreover, through this study, information regarding the development of the Sinhala language and phonological information could also be revealed. The significance of this study lies in the ability to identify the special features of natural word forms, derived word forms, and word formation suffixes, as well as to recognize the unique grammatical applications related to pronouns. Additionally, several special characteristics were identified in relation to the connection of these pronouns with sentences, such as indicating only the gender relevant to the pronoun, and not indicating the gender that belongs to the relevant pronoun. Accordingly, it can be concluded that there is diversity in the structures of pronouns found in Sigiri poems and in the related grammatical contexts, and that these can be identified through this study.