Languages Spoken in Kollam: A Comprehensive List

Kollam is a beautiful city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Known for its beaches, historic landmarks, and temples, Kollam also boasts of a diverse and multi-lingual population. In this blog post, we will explore the different languages spoken in Kollam and their significance.

1. Malayalam

Malayalam is the official language of Kerala and is widely spoken in Kollam. It is a Dravidian language and has over 38 million speakers worldwide. Malayalam has an exceptional literary tradition and a rich history that spans thousands of years. The presence of the language in Kollam dates back to the 9th century, during which Malayalam was influenced greatly by Tamil and Sanskrit.

2. Tamil

Tamil is another Dravidian language that is widely spoken in Kollam, mainly by the Tamil population residing in the region. Tamil has about 70 million speakers worldwide and is one of the oldest languages in the world. The Tamil language has influenced Malayalam significantly and vice versa, leading to the creation of a distinct dialect known as Malayanma.

3. Hindi

Hindi, the official language of India, is spoken by a sizeable population in Kollam, thanks to the government offices, educational institutions and other organisations where it is used as a lingua franca. Hindi has about 540 million speakers worldwide and is the fourth most widely spoken language globally.

4. English

While English isn’t a regional language in India, it is commonly spoken in Kollam as a result of the city’s strong business and educational ties to the rest of the world. English has become an essential part of the modern-day education system, and fluency in this language is often viewed as a sign of upward mobility.

5. Arabic

Arabic is spoken by the Muslim population residing in Kollam. This language is the sacred language of Islam, and many people in Kerala, including Kollam, have embraced Islam over the centuries, bringing their cultural and linguistic traditions to this region.

6. Urdu

Urdu is another language spoken in Kollam, primarily by the Muslims. Urdu is a Persianised and standardised version of Hindustani and is written in the Nastaliq script. Urdu is a language of poetry and literature, and it played a crucial role in the growth and spread of Islam.

7. Konkani

Konkani is spoken by the Konkani population residing in Kollam. Konkani is an Indo-Aryan language and is spoken mainly in the Konkan region of India. The language has borrowed words from various sources, including Sanskrit and Portuguese, the latter due to the Portuguese colonisers in parts of India.

8. Kannada

Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken mainly in the neighbouring state of Karnataka. Kannada is spoken by the Kannadiga population residing in Kollam. Kannada has about 44 million speakers worldwide and is one of the oldest languages in the world, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

Conclusion

Kollam is a melting pot of cultures, and its language diversity is a testament to its vibrant and vibrant community. Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English, Arabic, Urdu, Konkani, and Kannada are some of the languages spoken in Kollam. Language barriers are becoming increasingly irrelevant in today’s globalised world, and knowing multiple languages can help individuals bridge the gap between different cultures and nations.

Insider’s Guide to Kollam: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

The city of Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a charming coastal town situated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Located alongside the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is a city of historic port significance that boasts a thriving cashew and fishing industry. But what sets it apart from other coastal cities is its linguistic diversity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to languages spoken in Kollam, along with a list of things to see and do while you’re there!

Attractions

– Ashtamudi Lake: Kollam’s most famous tourist spot, and one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala, with its cruises, boats and houseboats
– Thangassery LightHousem: A British-era lighthouse built-in 1902 that stands tall at 144 feet in Thangassery beach
– Thevally Palace: A beautiful palace that served as the residence of King Rama Varma during the 18th century and now hosts many cultural events and exhibitions.
– Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park: A beautiful, clean beachfront park that is a perfect place for picnics and a relaxing day out
– Palaruvi Waterfalls: A natural wonder nestled among lush greenery, 75 km from Kollam, where the water falls from 300 feet height

Dining Spots

Kollam is famous for its seafood delicacies, spices, and aroma-rich dishes.
– Alif Laila: A prime restaurant serving Arabian, Continental and Indian cuisine
– Nani’s Restaurant: An ideal place for enjoying delicious seafood
– Choola Restaurant: A serene and tranquil setting for traditional food and is famous for its Kerala style biriyani and seafood
– Meenmutty Restaurant: Popular for meen vattichathu and mulakittathu, fish curry cooked in traditional Malabar style that is a must-try for every seafood fan

Cultural Experiences

– Kollam Pooram: Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam, this festival attracts large crowds and features decorated elephants, percussion music, and dazzling fireworks
– Kathakali Performances: Attend a traditional storytelling performance at the kathakali center in Kollam, which is a cultural gem
– Kollam Fest: An annual event that showcases the cultural and traditional heritage of Kollam through folk dance, art, food, and performances.
– Theyyam Festival: One of the grandest cultural festivals in Kerala, held here during the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam attracting a large number of tourists

Local History

– Punalur Suspension Bridge: Built-in 1877, it is the oldest motorable suspension bridge in India that connects Kollam with the town of Punalur.
– Tangasseri Lighthouse: It is a historic lighthouse built-in 1902 by the British empire.
– Kollam Clock Tower: A historic landmark built by the British for keeping time during the colonial times that tells the tale of Kollam’s history.
– Portuguese Cemetery: The mortal remains of Portuguese adventurers and early colonizers lie at this well-preserved cemetery, making it an interesting touristic historical spot.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

– Ochira Temple: Visit this serene temple in Ochira village which is known for its unconventional practice, where no idols are worshipped yet has a legend behind its existence.
– Rameshwara Temple: Visit this ancient temple that dates back to the 12th century, located 4 km away from Kollam, which showcases an exquisite architectural structure and its historic importance.
– Munroe Island: Take a backwater village trip along the Kollam backwater and visit Munroe Island, known for its cashew, coconut and coir production
– Amritapuri Ashram: A serene and peaceful ashram located in Vallikavu, 30 km away from Kollam, which is also the headquarters of the humanitarian organization Embracing the World

Kollam’s diversity spans beyond just language and spreads to its plethora of tourist attractions. Be it its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, or subjugated history, Kollam is a unique place that every traveler must explore, making it a wonderful tourist spot in the larger scheme of things.