By Sachin Jose
KOTTAYAM: The archaic Malayalam numerals should be
preserved to protect the heritage of the language, pleaded linguistic
experts.
The Malayalam script was modified twice
in the 1970s and '80s to make it computer-friendly. Of 900 glyphs,
only about 90 are used now and the old letters and numbers are no
longer in use.However, all the 900 glyphs including the numerals are
available in unicode as part of digitisation.
Linguist Ramachandran Nair said, “The
young generation is unaware of the existence of Malayalam numerals.
Malayalam has its own identity and we are obliged to protect it.”
The Malayalam numerals were used in
daily life until mid-20th century and was replaced by Indo-Arabic
numeric system that is prevalent in the modern world.
Malayalam uses separate glyphs for
numbers like 10, 100 and 1,000. These numbers are now seen only in
old books or inscripted on cornerstones of old edifices.
Another linguist Scaria Zachariah agreed
that it is important to preserve these scripts as it is part of the
state's heritage.
“But, if we include it in the school
curriculum, it would confuse the students,” pointed out Mr
Zachariah. “Four decades ago in school, we had to learn different
glyphs making it difficult for us.”
Also, Baselius College Malayalam
Professor Sherly Kurian said, "The changing whims of the
bureaucrats regarding the education system will only
discourage students from learning their mother tongue."
But, Mr Ramachandran countered that
students can learn it within a few days, which dismisses the notion
that it is difficult for teachers.
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