Namskara! Ready to understand the characteristics and complexities of Kannada script? If you have ever tried to learn the Kannada language, you would know that speaking the language is a lot easier than learning the Kannada script. That’s because the script has evolved significantly since its origin. Because of this historical evolution, Kannada and the literature based on it are divided into three stages: Old, Medieval, and Modern.
While modern spoken Kannada is easier for beginners, the script still carries traditional nuances that can make learning it a bit challenging. In this blog, we’ll help you navigate those complexities and make written Kannada more approachable.
Table Of Contents
Introduction To The Kannada Script
Kannada script draws its origin from the early Kadamba script. Both Kannada and Telugu scripts have their roots in the Kadamba script itself. It was later that the Kannada and Telugu scripts got separated.
However, the written Kannada has undergone three major phases:
- Old Kannada script– Originates from the early Kadamba script developed by the Kadamba empire. Later on, it evolved during the period of the Chalukyas and other Kannada dynasties. Identical to the Telugu and Kannada scripts.
- Medieval Kannada script- Popularly called Nadugannada(ನಡುಗನ್ನಡ) dates back to the medieval period(roughly around the 12th- 19th century).
- Modern Kannada script- The present-day Kannada language is the result of all the evolution that has taken place over the years, which is the existence of modern Kannada.
Kannada is one of the Brahmi scripts and belongs to the Dravidian language family. However, what stands out in Kannada from other Indian scripts is the fact that the language has had a significant scriptural evolution compared to other Indo-Aryan languages. Hence, the impact on Kannada literature as well as the spoken Kannada is extremely high, unlike a lot of other languages.
Challenges Involved In Learning The Kannada Script
As mentioned earlier, getting the hang of spoken Kannada is far easier than learning the Kannada script. If you are someone who is trying to learn the Kannada language from the root, it is natural for you to feel stuck memorizing the Kannada alphabet or Kannada characters.
Not just that, with very limited resources available, even understanding the minute nuances of the language, such as pronunciation differences, vowels and consonants in Kannada, the logic behind their formation, topics in Kannada grammar like consonant clusters, and finally learning Kannada numerals, can be super complex.
The writing system in Kannada can pose numerous other challenges as well. A few of them are:
1. Large Number Of Characters In The Kannada Alphabet
Kannada primarily has 49 letters. The 49 letters are divided into three segments- Swara(ಸ್ವರ), Vyanjana(ವ್ಯಂಜನ), and Yogavahaka(ಯೋಗವಾಹಕ). 13 Swaraas(ಸ್ವರ) are independent letters and also act as vowels. 34 Vyanjanas(ವ್ಯಂಜನ) are the consonant letters. Each consonant letter joins with every vowel, leading to the formation of consonant clusters. The crux of these alphabets may be super confusing if you are a beginner.
2. Complex Ligatures
In Kannada, the combination of consonants without intervening vowels forms conjunct consonants. The logic behind the formation of these conjunct consonants might be tough for a beginner to understand.
3. Pronunciation Complexities
Just remembering certain words from a language will not enhance the learning experience. It is important to understand the logic behind pronouncing certain words or letters. It is natural for any language learner to face difficulty in understanding this aspect.
4. Limited Resources
With insufficient writing tools or practice apps available, learning written Kannada can be a hassle. The resources available online are very minimal, which becomes a major hurdle to learn Kannada letters with clarity.
5. Weak Script-Based Language Support
Getting yourself introduced to scripts like Kannada requires strong language support. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The insufficient support results in making Kannada language retention and usage way more difficult than it should.
6. Regional Variations
Spoken Kannada comes with a variety of dialects, and while this is mostly a spoken nuance, it can subtly affect written Kannada too. The influence of these regional variations on the script can sometimes be confusing for learners.
The above challenges may hamper the confidence of someone passionate about learning any new language. In almost every Southeast Asian script, mastering the language usually involves facing all of these challenges. But don’t worry! In this blog, we will share some tips and tricks so that your Kannada language learning journey becomes a bit smoother.
6 Tips To Ease Your Kannada Learning Experience
Even if you are someone who knows other Dravidian languages like Tamil or Telugu, learning the Kannada script is not easy. Although Kannada and Telugu scripts look identical, the logic behind vowels and consonants in Kannada and Telugu is not the same. Therefore, the writing system in Kannada has to be understood in the Kannada way.
In addition to the challenges mentioned above, you may face other difficulties as a language learner. To help ease these complexities, here are some tips you can incorporate to enhance your Kannada learning experience:
1. Start By Learning The Vowels And Consonant Letters Separately
The initial difficulty in learning the Kannada alphabet is identifying the vowels and consonants. Hence, even if it takes a lot of hours, make sure to spend those hours and learn the alphabet thoroughly. Mastering the Kannada alphabet will help you understand advanced concepts, such as consonant clusters, logically. Kannada doesn’t have a classification of vowels and consonants as such, but the inherent vowels in Kannada are called Swaraksharas(ಸ್ವರ), which are relatively more straightforward to get a hang of.
2. Break Down Complex Words
Commonly used Kannada words may seem super simple at first. But as you get deeper into the language, you will come across a few complex words, and their pronunciation might make you wonder. Identify the root letters and break down such words so that you can practice them if you have mastered the Kannada script well.
3. Use Different Memorization Techniques
If you are facing difficulty in memorizing certain characters in Kannada, it is time you change the technique.
- Start by grouping and chunking the alphabet into manageable parts.
- Since the Kannada script is naturally divided into three parts, learn all these parts one by one.
- If you’re struggling to master the letters, try associating each one with a simple Kannada word. Learning basic Kannada words and phrases will help you understand the alphabet more effectively.
- Practice writing Kannada by focusing on the sounds. Say the sound aloud as you repeatedly write each Kannada letter.
- Try to understand the logic behind how each aspect of the Kannada script is formed. A logical approach is key to building a strong grasp of the language and its grammar.
4. Practice Reading Simple And Phonetic Words First
Once you’ve mastered the alphabet, start getting familiar with basic concepts like Kannada nouns, along with simple Kannada words and phrases. Regular practice will help reinforce what you’ve learned.
5. Introduce Yourself To Kannada Movies And Kannada Literature
What better way to learn than by watching Kannada movies and reading some of the best Kannada books? Kannada literature has a rich history and legacy, and Kannada cinema is one of the leading film industries in the country.
6. Find Other Language Learning Tools
Language learning tools matter, especially when you are learning a not-so-explored language with less global demand. The right tool can help you understand the language and its cultural significance.
Platforms that offer writing or script-based writing exercises will make your job of learning 50 percent easier. However, there are not many language learning platforms or apps available for learning Kannada, which is why Ling stands out.
Loaded with features like AI Chatbox, spaced repetition, native speaker audio, bite-sized lessons, finger tracing method to learn alphabets, and many more, Ling makes learning Kannada a hassle-free experience! Apart from the mainstream languages, Ling also offers less explored south asian languages, making it a one-of-a-kind platform.
How Do You Say ‘Script’ In Kannada?
The Kannada script is called Lipi (ಲಿಪಿ) in Kannada.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Kannada Script
1. Is Kannada A Dravidian Script?
Yes. Kannada is a southern variety of the Brahmi script. Since it belongs to the language family of Dravidian languages, it can be called a Dravidian script.
2. How Old Is The Kannada Script?
The Kannada script is over 1,500 years old. The earliest known example is the Halmidi inscription, which dates back to around 450 CE and is considered the first full-length Kannada inscription.
3. Is Kannada A Dravidian Language?
Yes. Kannada belongs to the family of Dravidian languages spoken in the southern part of India.
4. Which Script Is Older, Kannada Or Telugu?
Kannada script is older than Telugu. However, both Kannada and Telugu scripts originate from the same script, the Kadamba script.
Wrapping Up
Kannada is a phonetic script, like many other Indian languages. It is written from left to right and follows a subject-verb-object structure in sentences. Beginners might find it tricky due to the large number of characters in the Kannada alphabet, and advanced concepts can be challenging at first. The biggest advantage for learners is that the language has a logical structure, making it one of the easiest Indian languages to master.
However, as the saying goes, ‘Practice makes perfect.’ With consistent practice, you’ll see how Kannada becomes easier and easier.
Learn The Kannada Language Hassle-Free
Learning Kannada doesn’t have to be a hassle. The Ling app offers clear, structured lessons that help you build skills in speaking, reading, and writing at your own pace, making it the ideal tool for learners at any level.
Ling breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-follow lessons, and its interactive features, like quizzes and games, keep you engaged while reinforcing key vocabulary and grammar without overwhelming you. Sounds great, right? Take advantage of the 7-day trial and discover all that Ling has to offer.
