Is Learning Malayalam Hard? 3+ Fascinating Facts

Is Malayalam Hard To Learn

We often see eager souls willing to learn the Malayalam language but refrain from doing so due to the complexity of the language. “Is learning Malayalam hard?” will remain a question in every beginner’s mind, creating a baffling atmosphere for someone new to the language learning world.

However, with the best research and results, this blog will answer all your questions concerning the learning process of the Malayalam language. Beyond understanding the complex nature of the Malayalam language, this blog will also give concise information about the origin and status of the Malayalam language of the cultural and most literate state of India, Kerala.

Is Learning Malayalam Hard?

Planning to travel for the first time to India? Malayalam, a South Indian language, might not be an easy language to learn. It is considered the toughest language with complex spoken and written grammar. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why Malayalam is hard for language learners.

Malayalam Is Tricky To Pronounce And Different From English And Other Foreign Languages

Is learning Malayalam hard? Malayalam differs a lot from English and other foreign languages, making it safe to pronounce as a difficult language to learn. The most confusing part for a non-speaker would be the tricky pronunciation of Malayalam words and the written grammar with so much Sanskrit influence. Malayalam learners have to be careful with the Sanskrit words and grammatical functions to speak Malayalam fluently. However, fluency depends on how much one decides to indulge in learning.

Is Learning Malayalam Hard Memorize Malayalam Alphabet

Hard To Memorize Malayalam Alphabet

The Malayalam language has a different Malayalam alphabet set with additional letters, and the written grammar is so distinct that even North Indians have a hard time learning it. So, if you speak English, make sure you go through the alphabet and words in precision to understand the true beauty of the musical language. Also, do not undermine the potency of the dialects that the language has under its radar. There are two basic styles, formal and informal, formal style is primarily found in official writing and public speaking. In addition to that, there are several regional dialects categorized by distinction in vocabulary and pronunciation.

The Malayalam Language Has Social Dialects

The Malayalam language is also known to have many social dialects depending on caste and religion. It is found that the dialect of the upper caste is more influenced by Sanskrit script than the lower caste; the Muslim community has more influence from Arabic and Urdy scripts and so on.

Although quite vast, complicated, and comprehensive, the tag of the toughest language shall not determine your caliber. It is undeniably true that the Malayalam language has a construct of grammatical function that is unique and many words with baffling formulations that make Malayalam difficult. Is learning Malayalam hard? Perhaps. However, letting go of the chance of learning such a beautiful language is nothing foolishness. Learn Malayalam with confidence with the best app and never give up. Get acquainted with Malayalam’s basic vocabulary and greeting techniques to give an excellent start to your learning journey.

The Malayalam Language And Its Origin

The word Malayalam should not be confused with “Malay,” which is a language spoken in Malaysia. Most people often mix up their understanding of the two languages because of the beginning letters that pronounce the same sound. However, the Malayalam word, which belongs to the southern branch of the Dravidian language family, may have been a local dialect with its originality and identity. The word “Mala” is regarded as the hill, and the latter part “Alam” is the word that indicates the depths of the ocean. So, with a general formulation, the word “Malayalam” replicates the land lying between the western ghats and the Arabian Sea.

This language is the spoken language of Kerala, one of the south Indian languages, also considered the toughest language in India and beyond. It is known by other names, such as Kerala Bhasha, Malayamphaza, Malayama, Malayalim, etc. Although the Malayalam words and phrases are closely related to the Tamil language, it is more influenced by Sanskrit scripts than Tamil. However, the prominent influence of Tamil in the early development of the Malayalam language is unavoidable.

Status Of The Malayalam Language

The official language of Kerala state, Malayalam, is one of the south Indian languages spoken by almost 38 million people. While it is officially spoken in Kerala, the language is also prominent beyond the boundaries of the Indian subcontinent, such as in Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom. In India, Malayalam is used nominally for all government work, commercial contracts, and mass communication in Kerala.

Although it belongs to the family of the Southern branch of the Dravidian language, it is the most spoken language in India, and the native speakers are often seen engaging in Malayalam movies and arts rather than activities that include other Indian languages.

It is a form of strict adherence to their native culture and respect for the sustainability of their originality in this fast-paced modern world. Native Malayali people never use other languages over Malayalam when they are in their region.

When you land in Kerala, you will find Malayalam posts, billboards, and many elements of commerce constructed in Malayalam. Nothing can be more offensive for native speakers than a local not watching Malayalam movies. They have a robust culture, and the literature plays double the line of prominence.

Other Facts About The Malayalam Language

Coming to the origin of the south Indian language, Malayalam, there are many views rather than just one concrete evidence. World Language Research Foundation has found many grammarians and linguistic scholars putting forth their ideas where Malayalam is seen as a constructive language formed under the Sanskrit influence. While this was one of the most conservative perspectives, many scholars also ideate that the ancient Prakrit influenced Malayalam.

However, one completely different group of scholars believes that it is a Dravidian language that was once spoken by tribespeople and was transformed later. To many natives’ surprise, many scholars also constructed that Malayalam is the daughter of Tamil.

Nevertheless, the modern group of scholars later in the 19th century agreed in unison to include Malayalam along with other Indian languages like Tamil, Kannada, Kodak, and Todak under the Dakshina Dravidian language family. It is undeniable that Malayalam is closely related to Tamil, as, at one point in history, both languages had the same root. The individuality and proclamation of the Indian language, Malayalam, is believed to have come around in the 9th century. Thus, amongst other languages that come under the bandwagon of Dravidian languages, Malayalam is the last to develop its literary works.

Is Learning Malayalam Hard What Is The Best Way To Learn

What Is The Best Way To Learn Malayalam?

As you have already learned, the Malayalam language is not something you can master overnight. It is indeed the toughest language in India. It has numerous dialects, unique alphabets with more than 40 consonants, and long and tangling pronunciations that one can speak only when one learns Malayalam with proper guidance. Finding the appropriate resource and the right guide has always been a problem, and Malayalam being a hard language, the accurate source gains all the more importance. The Ling app is here with all the requirements to make it easier and save you time.

Learn More Languages With Ling

Ling is one of the most trusted language apps that has you covered, with more than 50 languages spoken worldwide. From Malayalam culture to Malayalam basic grammar, this app has everything you need to speak Malayalam fluently in just a few weeks. Just click on the app and get free access to numerous language tips for any South Asian language with expert language mentors from around the globe. So, leave your books and just lay on your bed with the Ling app to experience the real fun of learning new languages.

Want to try it out? Download the Ling app on the Play Store and App Store now!

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