Malayalam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malayalam |
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| മലയാളം malayāḷam മലയാണ്മ malayāṇma |
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Malayalam in Malayalam script
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| Native to | Primarily in the Indian state of Kerala | |||
| Region | Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mahé (Puducherry) | |||
| Ethnicity | Malayali | |||
| Native speakers | 38 million (2007) | |||
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| Writing system | Malayalam alphabet (Brahmic) Malayalam Braille |
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| Official status | ||||
| Official language in |  Indian states:Kerala (State),Lakshadweep (Territory), Puducherry (Territory) |
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| Regulated by | Academy for Malayalam literature, Government of Kerala | |||
Malayalam-speaking area
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Malayalam is an important language spoken mainly in India. Most people who speak Malayalam live in the state of Kerala. It is also spoken in the Lakshadweep Islands and Puducherry. People who speak Malayalam are called Malayalis.
Contents
What is Malayalam?
Malayalam is the official language of the Indian state of Kerala. It is also an official language in the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. About 38 million people speak Malayalam. This makes it one of the most spoken languages in India.
Where is Malayalam Spoken?
Malayalam is spoken mostly in the southern part of India. Kerala is its main home. The state of Tamil Nadu is to its south and east. The state of Karnataka is to its north and east.
The Word "Malayalam"
The word Malayalam has a special meaning. It originally meant "mountainous country." This comes from two words: mala (meaning mountain) and aḷam (meaning place). This name fits well because Kerala has many mountains.
Sounds and Script
Every language has its own unique sounds. Malayalam has 52 different sounds, called phonemes. Some of these sounds are special and only found in Malayalam.
The Malayalam Alphabet
Malayalam uses its own special writing system. It is called the Malayalam alphabet. This alphabet is part of a larger group of scripts called Brahmic scripts. These scripts are used for many languages in India. The Malayalam script looks very beautiful and curvy.
Old Malayalam Writings
We can learn about Malayalam's history from old writings. One of the oldest known writings is on the Quilon Syrian copper plates. These plates are from the year 849 or 850 CE. They show how Old Malayalam looked a long time ago. These plates also have writing in other languages like Arabic and Persian.
Images for kids
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The Quilon Syrian copper plates (849/850 CE) are the oldest known writings in Old Malayalam.
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The Malayalam script can be seen on mobile phones.
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A copy of Adhyathmaramayanam by Ezhuthachan, a famous Malayalam writer.
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A Malayalam sign from Kannur, Kerala.
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A medieval Tigalari script manuscript, similar to modern Malayalam script.
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A Chera era Grantha script inscription.
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The Arabi Malayalam alphabet with its Malayalam alphabet matches.
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The Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University is in Tirur.
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Malayalam letters on an old Travancore Rupee coin.
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See also
In Spanish: Idioma malabar para niños
