The Tulu Language: A Rich Heritage of Coastal Regions

Welcome to our journey into exploring Tulu, a rich and vibrant Dravidian language spoken mainly in Karnataka and Kerala’s coastal districts in India.  The unique script and enriching culture make it a far more crucial tool of communication than just a method of communicating with others.  It has been the vital deposit for historical and traditional documentation and identity for millions of speakers.

Let’s begin this fascinating exploration. The Bodo language is part of the Tibeto-Burman language family and is spoken by the Bodo people, primarily in Assam and parts of neighbouring states like Meghalaya and West Bengal. But did you know that the Bodo language is also spoken across borders in countries like Nepal? 

Over 1.4 million people use this language as their mother tongue. Fact: Bodo is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. That’s right! Bodo is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, meaning it enjoys constitutional recognition and protection. 

But that wasn’t always the case. 

 

  • Let’s understand deeply what Tulu is- 

Tulu is a language belonging to the family of Dravidian languages, which includes Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.  Mainly it is spoken by the Tuluvas themselves.  About 2 million people use Tulu as their first language, although, like many other languages, it does not have an official status in India. The language has high cultural value.

Do you know the Script? 

The script used to write Tulu is as interesting as the language itself called Tulu Tigalari.  Tigalari emerged from the ancient Brahmi script, the importance of which lies in historic documentation of literature and folklore in the language.  Though not much in use today, conscious attempts are being made to popularize it among the younger minds. Some of the remarkable people who have contributed much to its literary scenario are: 

K. S. Narasimhaswamy was a great poet and writer whose works have etched an unerasable mark on Tulu literature. His poetry often reflects the loveliness of nature, and intricacies of human emotions resulting in  capturing the cultural essence of Tulu. His dedication to the language has inspired many young writers to go deep in their roots through literature.                                                                              

Another personality to be mentioned is Dr. B. M. Hegde,the renowned cardiologist, author, and passion for Tulu and its culture. He has significantly contributed toward elevating the status of Tulu through media, letters to the editor, and incorporating it as an important constituent of education and hospital communication.

Tulu’s culture is not limited to literature but reaches into other forms of arts too:

  • Folklore and Traditions

Tulu is a treasure chest of folklores through which people have been passing from one generation to another. Regional deities, historical figures, and moral lessons are very much part of local gatherings and celebrations.

  • Music and Dance

Others like Bhoota Kola (ritual to entertain the spirits) and Nema(folk dance) are performed in Tulu language. These performances are entertaining and therefore are also a reservoir for intangible heritage.

 

Let’s hear some Interesting Facts About Tulu

  • It is native language but used majorly in Karnataka and Kerala and has been influenced by the Kannada and Malayalam languages which dominate these regions.
  • Oral Tradition: Much of Tulu’s rich heritage exists in oral form, with songs and stories being shared during festivals and family gatherings.
  • Educational Initiatives: This is a recent trend with increased online platforms offering instruction in the language. There are YouTube channels that offer education and become a source of interest for those keen to learn the mother tongue.

The Future of Tulu

Even with globalization and the prevalence of the Kannada and English tongues, efforts are being made to preserve and propagate the Tulu.

There are organizations within the community that strive to prepare learning aids, conduct cultural functions, and even raise awareness about the importance of this.

Tulu is not just a language; it is a form of much-required identity for millions in India. With such a rich history, some celebrities, cultural influence, and the ongoing revival efforts, Tulu stands as proof that regional languages really do survive in this globalized world. 

Embracing our linguistic heritage will ensure that generations and more can celebrate this beauty of Tulu for years to come.

Thanks for joining us on this journey into the world of Tulu!