Malayalam Script vs. Tamil Script
What's the Difference?
Malayalam script and Tamil script are both used to write Dravidian languages spoken in South India. While both scripts are derived from the ancient Brahmi script, they have distinct characteristics. Malayalam script is a more rounded and flowing script, with a larger number of letters and diacritics compared to Tamil script. Tamil script, on the other hand, is more angular and has a simpler structure with fewer letters and diacritics. Despite these differences, both scripts are widely used in their respective regions and have a rich literary tradition.
Comparison
| Attribute | Malayalam Script | Tamil Script |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Derived from the Grantha script | Derived from the Brahmi script |
| Direction | Left to right | Left to right |
| Number of Characters | 53 | 31 |
| Usage | Primarily used to write Malayalam language | Primarily used to write Tamil language |
| Vowel Markings | Uses vowel signs and diacritics | Uses vowel signs and diacritics |
Further Detail
Introduction
Malayalam and Tamil are two Dravidian languages spoken in the southern part of India. Both languages have their own unique scripts that are used for writing. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the Malayalam script and the Tamil script.
History
The Malayalam script, also known as Kolezhuthu, has a history that dates back to the 9th century. It is believed to have evolved from the Grantha script. On the other hand, the Tamil script, known as Tamil-Brahmi, has a history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. It is one of the oldest scripts in the world.
Alphabet
The Malayalam script consists of 52 letters, including 16 vowels and 36 consonants. It is an abugida script, meaning that each letter represents a consonant with an inherent vowel sound that can be modified with diacritics. The Tamil script, on the other hand, consists of 31 letters, including 12 vowels and 18 consonants. It is also an abugida script.
Writing System
In the Malayalam script, letters are written from left to right, and words are separated by spaces. Vowels are represented by diacritics that are placed above, below, or beside the consonants. In contrast, the Tamil script is written from left to right, and words are also separated by spaces. Vowels in Tamil are represented by separate letters that can be combined with consonants.
Complexity
The Malayalam script is considered to be more complex than the Tamil script due to its larger number of letters and the use of diacritics to represent vowels. This complexity can make it challenging for beginners to learn how to read and write in Malayalam. On the other hand, the Tamil script is relatively simpler and more straightforward, making it easier for beginners to grasp.
Usage
The Malayalam script is primarily used to write the Malayalam language, which is spoken by the people of Kerala. It is also used to write Sanskrit texts in Kerala. The Tamil script, on the other hand, is used to write the Tamil language, which is spoken in Tamil Nadu and parts of Sri Lanka and Singapore. It is also used to write other Dravidian languages such as Telugu and Kannada.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Malayalam script and the Tamil script have their own unique attributes and characteristics. While the Malayalam script is more complex and has a larger number of letters, the Tamil script is simpler and more widely used. Both scripts play a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the people who speak these languages.
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