V or W?

[Justin]

In listening to Dhamma talks and chanting on the websites of various Theravadin monasteries, I have noticed that some group pronounce v's as w's in Pali (i.e., Bhagavato, brahmavihara). (I'm reminded of the Vesak vs. Wesak semantics, but I know that Vesak is Sinhalese). Could anyone help shed some light on why different groups pronounce v's differently, and what the pronounciation rules for v are in Pali?

Much metta,
Justin

[Dhammanando]

The classical Pali grammars classify the consonant as dento-labial (i.e. requiring the upper front teeth to be in contact with the lower lip). So, v is more likely the correct pronunciation, since w is a bilabial consonant. But in practice SE Asian Buddhists will pronounce it as a w because their native tongues (Thai, Lao, Khmer etc.) don't have a v sound.

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

[Justin]

Many thanks!