Kasaragod Malayalam

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The language spoken by Malayalee communities in Kasaragod district of Kerala and Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka varies from the standard Malayalam to a great extent. Unlike, standard Malayalam this has remained relatively un-influenced by Sanskrit. Studies in this idiom have been useful in knowing the nature of evolution of South Indian languages.

[edit] Salient features

  • Over usage of 'ny' (ñ , ɲ) unlike neighbouring Tulu and Kannada.
  • Lack of or loss of Approximant consonants like neighbouring Tulu and Kannada.
  • Presence of sound 'b' instead of 'v'(in standard Malayalam) like neighbouring Tulu and Kannada.
  • Words end with aa whereas in other colloquial Malayalam they end with o.
  • People generally use pronouns during direct conversation like neighbouring Tulu, Kannada people unlike in standard Malayalam.
  • Some of the words start with 'i' in which place standard Malayalam employs 'u'.

eg. indu(undu ) , ipperi (upperi)

[edit] Unique words

chell'  = say
njaaya  = talk, word
nirona  = memory
okku    = yes
jon     = he
jol     = she
baitu   = evening
joru    = scolding/amazing
jaasthi = more
moodu   = face
bem     = fast
kee     = descend
yethur  = front
bolan   = stupid

[edit] Present state

Most of the people in Kasaragod region have picked up standard Malayalam. However, in Managalore it is still spoken. The migrant population tends to learn standard Malayalam.