Endangered tribal languages of North Kerala find new life in dictionaries
Researchers are documenting the endangered Mavila and Malaveduvan tribal languages of North Kerala through new dictionaries. The project aims to preserve oral traditions and cultural identity as these languages face extinction due to migration and modernization.
Why it matters
Linguistic preservation is critical for maintaining cultural diversity and the historical heritage of indigenous communities.
Two endangered tribal languages spoken by the Mavila and Malaveduvan communities in north Kerala are being documented in separate dictionaries to preserve their linguistic heritage before they disappear.
The dictionaries are being jointly prepared by writer and Sir Syed College faculty member Dr. Mohanan V.T.V. and tribal writer O.K. Prabhakaran Vattamathatta.
The project records the vocabulary, oral traditions and cultural identity of communities with a combined population of around 60,000, spread across the Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
Dr. Mohanan V.T.V, writer and faculty member of Sir Syed College, and tribal writer O.K. Prabhakaran Vattamthatta | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
The Mavila dictionary has been completed and is scheduled for publication in the first week of August, while work on the Malaveduvan dictionary is under way. Together, the volumes will document more than 5,000 words collected through extensive fieldwork in tribal settlements.
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