Sunday, May 26, 2013

Malayalam get the status of 'Classical Language'

The Union Cabinet has approved classifying Malayalam as a ‘Classical Language’ subject to the outcome of  Writ Petition No. 18810 of 2008 (R. Gandhi Vs UOI & Ors) in the High Court of Judicature at Madras (Chennai).

The benefits which are extended to Classical Languages include the following :-

a) Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.

b) A ‘Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages be set up.

c) The University Grants Commission be requested to create, to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for Classical Languages for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.

The Government has earlier notified both Telugu and Kannada as Classical Languages.


Classical languages status is based on four norms:

(i) high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
(ii) a body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
(iii) the literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
(iv) the classical language and literature being distinct from the modern, there may also be discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or offshoots.

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