Endangered languages of South India

Endangered languages of South India:

Introduction:

South India’s endangered languages reflect traditions of tribal communities in the Nilgiri Hills. These languages are now at risk or critically endangered due to declining use among younger generations.

Languages:

- Toda (spoken by the Toda people in Tamil Nadu)
- Kota (spoken by the Kota people in Tamil Nadu)
- Irula (spoken by the Irula tribe in Tamil Nadu and Kerala)

1. Toda (Tamil Nadu):

Linguistic Background: Toda is a Dravidian language spoken by the Toda tribe. They are primarily in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. There’s no close relatives among the major Dravidian languages.
Speaker Population: Fewer than 2,000 speakers remain. Making Toda critically endangered.
Cultural Context:
- Toda is deeply tied to the tribe’s pastoral lifestyle. Especially their traditional buffalo herding practices.
- The language is used in sacred chants, rituals, and songs associated with Toda temples (mund).
Challenges:
- Limited literacy in Toda and also lack of institutional support. Younger generations shift to Tamil or English for education and daily communication.
Preservation Efforts:
- Toda’s been the focus of linguistic studies and documentation. Including the creation of Toda dictionaries and grammar books.
- Community-driven efforts aim to preserve Toda traditions and ceremonies, which rely heavily on the language.

2. Kota (Tamil Nadu):

Linguistic Background: Kota is another Dravidian language spoken by the Kota tribe. Primarily in the Nilgiri Hills alongside the Toda people.
Speaker Population: Fewer than 1,000 speakers remain, making Kota critically endangered.
Cultural Context:
- The language is integral to the tribe’s identity. It’s used in folk songs, religious rituals, and traditional music.
- Kota people are known for their pottery and metalwork. Which are often accompanied by traditional songs in Kota.
Challenges:
- Younger speakers are increasingly adopting Tamil and English for economic and educational opportunities. Thus, leaving Kota behind.
Preservation Efforts:
- Linguistic research has documented the grammar, vocabulary, and oral traditions of Kota.
- Local initiatives encourage cultural events that promote the use of Kota in music and storytelling.

3. Irula (Tamil Nadu and Kerala):

Linguistic Background: Irula is a Dravidian language spoken by the Irula tribe in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is distantly related to Tamil and Kannada.
Speaker Population: Irula has around 25,000 speakers. Although the number of fluent speakers is declining due to language shift.
Cultural Context:
- The Irula tribe traditionally works as agricultural laborers and forest gatherers. The language plays a central role in their knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional practices.
- Oral traditions, such as songs and folktales, are key components of Irula culture.
Challenges:
- The spread of Tamil and Malayalam in education and media has marginalized Irula. This has reduced it being passed down to children.
Preservation Efforts:
- Efforts to document Irula include creating primers and dictionaries for use in schools.
- NGOs and cultural organizations are working to record traditional Irula songs and knowledge about forest-based practices.

Conclusion

South India’s endangered and critically threatened languages are preserved. Tribal communities are included in the Nilgiri Hills.Preserving the culture and wisdom of South India’s tribal communities for future generations requires saving these languages.