Tulu language

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Tulu language

Tulu is a Dravidian language spoken by around 2 million people in the Tulu Nadu region, which comprises parts of the Karnataka and Kerala states in India. It is one of the oldest languages of the Dravidian family and has a rich oral tradition.

Geographic Distribution

Tulu is predominantly spoken in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka, and the northern part of the Kasaragod district in Kerala. The region where Tulu is spoken is often referred to as Tulu Nadu.

History

The history of the Tulu language dates back to at least 2000 years. The earliest known inscriptions in Tulu are from the 15th century, but the language itself is believed to be much older. Tulu has a rich tradition of oral literature, including folk songs, proverbs, and folktales.

Dialects

Tulu has several dialects, which can be broadly classified into two categories: the northern dialect spoken in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, and the southern dialect spoken in the Kasaragod district. These dialects have minor variations in pronunciation and vocabulary.

Phonology

Tulu has a complex phonological system with a variety of vowels and consonants. It includes both short and long vowels, and a range of consonants including retroflex, dental, and alveolar sounds.

Grammar

Tulu grammar is typical of Dravidian languages, with a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order. It has a rich system of inflection for nouns and verbs, and uses postpositions rather than prepositions.

Writing System

Historically, Tulu was written using the Tigalari script, which is closely related to the Grantha script. However, in modern times, Tulu is most commonly written using the Kannada script.

Literature

Tulu has a rich tradition of oral literature, including epic poetry, ballads, and folktales. Written literature in Tulu is relatively recent, with the first Tulu book, "Sri Bhagavato," being published in 1842. Modern Tulu literature includes novels, short stories, and plays.

Culture

The Tulu-speaking community has a rich cultural heritage, including unique traditions, festivals, and rituals. The Yakshagana dance-drama is a notable cultural expression of the Tulu people.

Current Status

Tulu is not an officially recognized language in India, but there have been ongoing efforts to include it in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Despite this, Tulu is actively spoken and has a vibrant community of speakers.

See Also

• Dravidian languages
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Yakshagana
• Tulu Nadu