Malayalam (മലയാളം malayāḷaṁ) is the language spoken predominantly in the state of Kerala, in southern India. It is one of the 23 official languages of India>, spoken by around 37 million people. A native speaker of Malayalam is called a 'Malayali'. Malayalam is also spoken in Lakshadweep, Mahé (Mayyazhi), Kodagu (Coorg) and areas of Tamil Nadu bordering Kerala. Malayalam is also spoken by some Indian minorities in Malaysia and Singapore.
The language belongs to the family of Dravidian languages. The language is closely related to Tamil. However, Malayalam has a script of its own, covering all alphabets of Sanskrit as well as special Dravidian letters.
Selected Vocabulary
I = Njaan
you = Thaan (or) Nee
you (respectful) = Ninghal
they = Avar
mine = entey
your = thangalude (or) nindey
theirs = avarudey
her = avalude
his = avantey
name = Peru
town = nagaram
no = illa, alla
yes = undu,athe, shari
why = enthinu
where = evide
what = enthu
what's your name = thangalude Peru enthaanu? (or) nindey per enthanu?
where are you ? = thaangal evideyaanu? (or) ni evideyaanu
Had your lunch? = Oonu kazhichcho?
don't want = venda
Boy = Aankutti
Girl = Pennkutti
Man = Aannu (Purushan)
Woman = Pennu (Sthree)
River = Puzha
Well = Kinar
Stream = Aruvi
Bridge = Paalam
Dog = Naaya/Patti
Cat = Poocha
Cow = Pashu
Hand = Kai
Leg = Kaal
Hair = Mudi
Father = Achchan, appan
Mother = Amma
Elder Brother = Chettan or Annan (used in southern Kerala)
Younger Brother = Aniyan
Elder Sister = Chechi
Younger Sister = Aniyaththi
Friend = Kootukaaran (Male), Kootukaari (Female), Changadi
Brother in Law = Aliyan
City = Pattanam, Nagaram
Village = Gramam
Postal = Thappaal
Minister = Manthri
Court = Kotathi
Law = Niyamam
Advocate = Vakkeel
News = Vaartha
Food = Shapadu, Ahaaram, or Bhakshanam
Water = Vellam
Sugar = Sharkara or Panchasara
Oil = Enna
Coconut = Thenga
