Malayalam is the primary and official language, spoken by the majority for communication, education, administration, and media. However, people widely speak Tamil, especially among the Tamil-speaking migrant community in areas like Kattappana and Vandiperiyar. This influence is evident in local dialects, where Malayalam and Tamil blend. Additionally, people commonly use English in urban areas, particularly among the educated population, for business and official purposes. Schools and higher education institutions also teach it. Furthermore, tribal communities such as the Muthuvan and Paliyan speak their own dialects, though these are mainly used within their communities. In summary, while Malayalam dominates, the presence of Tamil and tribal languages highlights Idukki’s linguistic diversity, reflecting its multicultural identity within Kerala. The following are the languages of Idukki district in Kerala.
Malayalam
Malayalam is one of the languages of Idukki. Malayalam is a Dravidian language that people primarily speak in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territory of Lakshadweep. Its script, derived from the ancient Brahmi script, features a unique, curvy design with 54 characters, including both vowels and consonants. Furthermore, the complex diacritic system of Malayalam allows it to represent a wide variety of sounds. As a result, it stands out as one of the most distinctive scripts in India.
English
The English language uses the Latin alphabet, which consists of 26 letters. This script includes both vowels and consonants, enabling people to represent a wide range of sounds. It plays a crucial role globally, especially in communication, education, and business. In addition, many countries teach English as the most commonly learned second language, making it a vital tool for international interaction. Furthermore, the English script is versatile, adapting to various contexts, from formal documents to creative writing. Over time, the script has evolved, incorporating new words and expressions from different languages. As a result, people have made it one of the most widely used writing systems in the world. Therefore, the English script’s simplicity, flexibility, and global reach contribute to its widespread adoption and enduring significance.
Tamil
The Tamil script is used to write Tamil, one of the oldest and most significant Dravidian languages. It consists of 12 vowels and 18 consonants, with special characters for combined sounds. The script features a distinct, circular design that makes it visually unique. Phonetic in nature, each symbol corresponds to a specific sound, making it easy to read and write once the basics are learned. With a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, the script plays a crucial role in preserving Tamil literature, arts, and traditions. As a result, Tamil remains a major language in India, especially in Tamil Nadu, and has a thriving global diaspora. Therefore, the Tamil script remains essential in maintaining the linguistic and cultural heritage of Tamil speakers.