• UGI USER
  • Jan 23, 2024
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ON THE BRINK: ENDANGERED LANGUAGE IN KERALA

Focus :

  • Kookanam’s Chakaliya community in Kerala faces the extinction of Madhika, a unique language.

About Madhika Language :

  • Madhika Language have similarities to Kannada language.
  • Madhika combines Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam, adding complexity.
  • Reason of decline : The disappearance of Madhika is attributed to the lack of interest, social stigma, and a dominating Malayalam language.

About Chakaliya community

  • Chakaliya community, initially recognized as Scheduled Tribe, later included in the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
  • Nomadic and worshipers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma, they migrated from Karnataka centuries ago.
  • Social stigma associated with the community and neglect contribute to Madhika’s decline.
About Endangered Languages

UNESCO classifies languages in its ‘Atlas of Endangered Languages’ using these categories:

·    Vulnerable: Widely spoken by children but limited to specific domains like home.

·    Definitely endangered: Children no longer learn it as a ‘mother tongue’ at home.

·    Severely endangered: Spoken by grandparents; parents understand but don’t speak to children or among themselves.

·    Critically endangered: Youngest speakers are grandparents, using the language partially and infrequently.

·    Extinct: No remaining speakers.