Kumbaran

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A language of India

ISO 639-3
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Alternate Names
Adi Andhra, Kusavan
User Population

10,000 (2004 NLCI).

Location

Kerala state: Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts, Ernakkulam, Kannur, Palakkad, and Trissur; all states in peninsular India.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Dravidian, Southern
Dialects

None known. Reportedly cannot understand Telugu [tel] on Wayanad District radio. Lexical similarity: 48% with Telugu [tel].

Language Use

Fairly vigorous in Wayanad District although Malayalam [mal] is used some in home and village. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes, especially in Wayanad District. Also use English [eng].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: Below 50% for older adults in Kerala.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kumbaran
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Kumbaran are a subcaste of Chettiars (or Adi Andhra) whose caste occupation is pottery or any work with mud or clay. Adi Andhra is a Scheduled Caste. Kusavan caste also speaks Kumbaran. Hindu, traditional religion.