Kurumba, Jennu

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A language of India

ISO 639-3
xuj
Alternate Names
Jen Kurumba, Jennu Kurumba, Jennu Nudi, Kattu Nayaka, Naik Kurumba, Naikan, Nonstandard Kannada, Shola Nayakan, Ten Kurumba
User Population

101,000 (2011 census). 36,200 in Karnataka, 18,200 in Kerala, and 46,700 in Tamil Nadu (2011 census).

Location

Karnataka state: Mysore and Kodagu districts; Kerala state: Wayanad district. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states’ border; east of Kerala state border; North Nilgiri Hills.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

Classification
Dravidian, Southern, Tamil-Kannada, Tamil-Kodagu, Kodagu
Dialects

Possibly the same as Jeinu Kuruba dialect of Kannada [kan]. Lexical similarity: 61%–83% among varieties called Jennu Kurumba, less than 60% with Betta Kurumba [xub] dialects.

Language Use

Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng]. Also use Kannada [kan]. Also use Malayalam [mal]. Also use Tamil [tam].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 46% in Tamil Nadu (2001 census). Attitudes favorable toward literacy.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kurumba, Jennu
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

In Karnataka and Kerala states, they are known as Jennu Kurumba and Kattu Nayaka. In Tamil Nadu state, they are known as Kattu Nayakan. Traditional religion, Hindu.