Linguists plead to preserve archaic Malayalam glyphs

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.

Kottayam loses its literacy record

By Sachin Jose
KOTTAYAM: The district is lagging in literacy rate as the municipality and the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) are reportedly lackadaisical in conducting follow-up programmes to upgrade the level of education of neo-literates here.

   A resident of Nagampadom Colony, Amina (uses only one name), who underwent literacy classes in the late 1980s, said, "I was taught for three months, but now I don't remember much of what I had learned."

   Former District Collector Alphons Kannanthanam said, "In the late eighties, we achieved 90 per cent literacy which made Kottayam, the first fully literate town in India."

   "But now Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha have surpassed the district in literacy. The State Government has lost its enthusiasm and the incumbent Collector is responsible for taking initiatives for follow-up programmes," he added.

   According to Mr Kannanthanam, Tripura's recent surge above Kerala in literacy is the result of this lackadaisical attitude across the State.

   Meanwhile, writer Rosemary said, "Anyone who can read, write and count cannot be considered as literates or numerates. They must be given proper education rather than merely taught to sign their own name."

   "But, the 'so-called literacy mission' lacks sincere efforts and rather concentrates on excelling in statistics," she added.

   However, the KSLMA blamed lack of financial assistance from the Central Government for the lagging "Akshara Laksham" project meant to provide basic literacy to people across the state.

     The funds were withdrawn as women in all districts of Kerala achieved more than 90 per cent literacy.