There are 22 national languages listed in the constitution of the Republic of India. India is one of the most diverse nations of the world, with more than 1,900 languages spoken as a mother tongue in India.
Kannada and Tamil are two officially listed languages that have descended from the Dravidian family language. Like all other languages, these two languages are also unique in their respective forms and have very district characteristics, yet they are widely confused by all.
Key Takeaways
- Kannada and Tamil are distinct Dravidian languages spoken in India; Kannada is primarily spoken in Karnataka, while Tamil is spoken in Tamil Nadu.
- Kannada script, derived from Brahmi script, has angular shapes; Tamil script, also Brahmi-derived, features rounded shapes.
- Kannada and Tamil literature have unique traditions, with famous works like Jaimini Bharata (Kannada) and Silappatikaram (Tamil).
Kannada vs. Tamil
Kannada is a language spoken by the people of Karnataka. 43 million people speak this language. It was a court language of the powerful empires in the past. It is also considered a classic language of India. Tamil is a language spoken by the people of Tamil Nadu. It is spoken by 70 million people from all over the world. This language was declared classical in India in 2004.
Kannada is the official language for the people of India in Karnataka. It is a South Dravidian language. It is one of the most popular languages in India and is spoken by almost 43 million natively worldwide.
The alphabet of the Kannada script has been developed from the Chalukya and Kadamba scripts.
Tamil is also an official language for the people of India in Tamil Nadu. It was the first official language of India to be listed and declared as a classical language by the government of India.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Kannada | Tamil |
|---|---|---|
| Ethnicity | Kannadiga | Tamilar |
| Spoken by | 43 million people worldwide | 70 million people worldwide |
| Official Language | It is the official language of Karnataka | It is the official language of Tamil Nadu |
| Script | It originated from the Kannada script | It originated from the Tamil script |
| Influenced | It is influenced by Pali and Prakrit languages | It is influenced closer to Malayalam |
| People | The people who speak the Kannada language are known as Kannadigas | The people who speak the Tamil language are known as tamilians or Dravidians |
What is Kannada?
Kannada, unpopularly also known as Kanarese, is a South Dravidian language. It is one of the major Dravidian languages. It is an official language in India and is spoken predominantly by the people of Karnataka.
Although it is also spoken in several linguistic minority states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telengana, Kerala, and Goa, the people who speak the Kannada language are known as Kannadigas (kannadigaru).
Almost 43 million people natively speak Kannada. It is also spoken as a second or third language by more than a 12.9million people, up to 56.9 million Kannada speakers worldwide.
Kannada earlier was the court language of several powerful empires in south and central India: Chalukya Dynasty, the rashtrakuta dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Hoysala Empire.
The alphabet of the Kannada language was developed from the Kannada script, which had evolved from the 5th-century kadamba script.
On the recommendation of the committee of linguistic experts appointed by the Ministry of Culture, the government of India declared Kannada as the classical language of India.
The influence of Prakrit and pail can also be noticed in Kannada. Spoken Kannada widely varies from region to region, whereas the written form of Kannada is less consistent all over Karnataka. According to ethnology reports, there are almost 20 dialects of Kannada.
What is Tamil?
Tamil is a Dravidian language, mainly spoken by Tamilians who reside in Tamil Nadu, a state in India. It is also the official language of the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, along with Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Tamil is one of the 22 scheduled languages in the constitution of India. It was the first to be classified as a classical language of India in 2004, and also one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world.
Accounts of Tamil literature have been documented for a little over 2000 years. The Sangam literature (earlier Tamil literature period) dates from ca. 300 BC – AD3000. Tamil is a part of the southern branch of the Dravidian language, a family of 26 languages native to Indian subcontinents.
Malayalam is considered the closest to Tamil; the two diverged around the 9th century AD. Among all the Indian languages, Tamil has the most ancient non-Sanskrit Indian literature. According to the hindu legend Tamil was created by Lord Shiva.
Main Differences Between Kannada and Tamil
- 43 million people speak the Kannada language as their native language, and as a second or third language, Kannada is spoken by 12.9 million people. At the same time, Tamil is spoken by 70 million people natively and as a second or third language by 8 million people.
- Kannada is the official language of Karnataka in India, whereas Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu, another southern state of India.
- Kannada originated from the Kannada script, and Tamil originated from the Tamil script.
- Pali and Prakrit influence the Kannada language; however, the Tamil language is more influenced by Malayalam.
- The people who speak Kannada as their native language are referred to as Kannadigas, whereas those who speak Tamil as their native language, which is a huge proportion, are known as Tamilians or Dravidians.
- https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED184379
- https://www.degruyter.com/downloadpdf/j/ijsl.1978.issue-16/ijsl.1978.16.109/ijsl.1978.16.109.xml
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=OQ33i496MsIC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=tamil&ots=BOHy6_3gtL&sig=_k7F9fzNM9a9jdWj9Sn-oS5ueH4
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
This is an impressive exploration of the distinctions and characteristics of the Kannada and Tamil languages. The comprehensive comparison table is very informative.
Absolutely, the article does a fantastic job at highlighting the unique features and history of both languages.
This article provides an engaging and educational read about the unique linguistic traditions of Kannada and Tamil. The inclusion of the comparison table was particularly helpful.
Absolutely, the side-by-side comparison of the languages is a noteworthy feature of this article, making it a valuable resource for language enthusiasts.
I concur with your assessment, the article’s organization and depth of content offer readers a comprehensive perspective on Kannada and Tamil.
I appreciate the detail in this article, it provides a thorough understanding of the differences between Kannada and Tamil, making it easy for anyone to grasp.
Definitely, the article presents the information in a clear and concise manner, giving readers an in-depth look into both languages.
Although this article effectively delves into the uniqueness of Kannada and Tamil, it fails to address the issue of language preservation in modern India, which is equally important.
Agreed, while the comparison is insightful, the contemporary significance of these languages would be a valuable addition to the discussion.
I understand your point, preservation of these languages is crucial, and perhaps an expansion on this aspect would enhance the article’s comprehensiveness.
This article effectively conveys the intricate differences between Kannada and Tamil, providing valuable insights into the historical and linguistic aspects of both languages.
Indeed, the article’s coverage of the distinct features of Kannada and Tamil exemplifies meticulous research and analysis, offering a commendable study of these languages.
The article presents a commendable analysis of the linguistic and literary aspects of Kannada and Tamil, underscoring the rich heritage and influence of these languages.
I completely agree, the article’s focus on the unique traditions of Kannada and Tamil is a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of these languages.
Absolutely, the article’s detailed examination of Kannada and Tamil’s characteristics provides a captivating narrative of these languages’ profound significance.
This article is an exemplary portrayal of the intricate distinctions between Kannada and Tamil, reflecting the profound influence of these languages on India’s diverse linguistic heritage.
I concur with your perspective, the article’s meticulous analysis of Kannada and Tamil underscores the enduring significance of these languages in shaping India’s rich cultural and historical narrative.
Absolutely, the article’s meticulous examination of Kannada and Tamil’s linguistic and literary traditions illuminates the multifaceted tapestry of India’s linguistic legacy.
This article is an enriching source of knowledge about the linguistic diversity in India, emphasizing the distinct elements that define each language’s heritage and evolution.
I concur with your assessment, the intricate details discussed in the article provide a profound understanding of the linguistic and cultural dimensions of both languages.
Absolutely, the article’s comprehensive elucidation of Kannada and Tamil’s characteristics offers readers an insightful exploration of India’s linguistic richness.
The article admirably captures the essence of Kannada and Tamil, revealing the diverse cultural and literary heritage that distinguishes these languages as integral facets of India’s linguistic milieu.
Absolutely, the article’s comprehensive analysis sheds light on the nuanced linguistic and literary characteristics of Kannada and Tamil, offering a compelling narrative of India’s pluralistic linguistic landscape.
Indeed, the article’s thorough exploration of Kannada and Tamil’s linguistic traditions underscores the significance of these languages within the broader cultural fabric of India.
The historical context of Kannada and Tamil is fascinating, and this article does a great job of breaking down the complexities of each language.
Absolutely, the depth of information provided is commendable, allowing readers to gain valuable insights into the linguistic heritage of these languages.