Here is a simple, authentic Jain view:

• Language of the core Jain scriptures (Agamas) often cited:

- Śvetāmbara tradition: Agamas are mainly in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. This is considered the canonical language of Mahavira’s teachings in their tradition. (Śvetāmbara Agamas are written in Ardhamagadhi; this is a standard statement found in Jain Knowledge explanations.) - Digambara tradition: The Digambara corpus uses a different Prakrit dialect in many works, notably a form often called Digambara Sauraseni Prakrit. Some important Digambara texts (e.g., Mulachara, Dravyasamgraha) are in Sauraseni, which is distinct from Ardhamagadhi. The Digambara view also holds that many original Agamas were lost and replaced by other writers in their own Prakrit styles.

• Quick summary of the practical difference:

- Digambara writings commonly use Sauraseni Prakrit (a dialect different from Ardhamagadhi) in many texts. - Śvetāmbara writings commonly use Ardhamagadhi Prakrit in the canonical Agamas. - There is also a broader context: both traditions agree that Prakrit was the traditional vehicle of most early Jain scriptures; Sanskrit and other languages come in later for commentaries or non-canonical works.

• Important note about status:

- Śvetāmbara tradition preserves a Vallabhi-era collection of 45 (or more) Agamas in Ardhamagadhi. - Digambara tradition contends that the original Agamas were lost or altered; they rely on other Prakrit writings (including their own Agamic-like texts) in Sauraseni and on works by Digambara acaryas. This difference is part of why language and text traditions diverge between the two sects.

If you’d like, I can point you to specific Jain Knowledge pages that discuss Ardhamagadhi vs. Sauraseni in more detail.