Here we discuss benefots of learning spoken Malayalam and reading for Malayalee diaspora, especially those who visit Kerala for their annual vacation.
Introduction
Malayalam, the mother tongue of the Indian state of Kerala, holds profound significance, especially for Malayalee diaspora. For Malayalee parents, teaching their kids Malayalam is about more than just language acquisition. It is about preserving cultural roots, fostering a sense of belonging, and forming a vital link with their ancestral land. This essay discusses why Malayalam should be part of the educational journey for children born to Malayalee parents, while residing outside Kerala.
Cultural Connection
Learning Malayalam allows diaspora children to connect deeply with their rich Malayalee heritage. The Malayalee culture, laden with diverse art forms, intriguing literature, vibrant festivals, and a distinct culinary style, finds its essence in the Malayalam language. Grasping the language can help children understand the nuances of this culture and participate more meaningfully in family and community traditions. This can foster a sense of identity and pride, nurturing their emotional and cultural wellbeing.
Family Bonding
Language is a potent connector. Knowing Malayalam helps children communicate effectively with family members, especially the older generation who may be more comfortable in their native language. It can foster intergenerational bonding and understanding, ensuring that family stories, wisdom, and values are passed down smoothly. This bond can be comforting and grounding, providing a sense of continuity and belonging in an increasingly global world.
Cognitive Advantages
Beyond the cultural and emotional benefits, learning Malayalam offers cognitive advantages. Research shows that bilingualism or multilingualism enhances various cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. Malayalam, with its unique script and rich vocabulary, provides a robust cognitive workout, contributing to children’s overall cognitive development.
Access to Literature and Arts
Knowledge of Malayalam allows children access to Kerala’s rich literature and art forms. It helps them appreciate the complexity of art forms like Kathakali and Koodiyattam and delve into the depths of Malayalam literature. Such experiences can enrich their understanding of human emotions, cultural expressions, and philosophical questions, nurturing empathy and broad-mindedness.
Preserving Language Diversity
Finally, children learning Malayalam contribute to the preservation of linguistic diversity. As English continues to dominate global communication, less widely spoken languages risk marginalization. By learning and using Malayalam, children of the Malayalee diaspora can play a significant role in keeping their ancestral language alive and vibrant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning Malayalam offers Malayalee diaspora children a vital connection to their cultural heritage, enhances familial bonding, supports cognitive development, and helps preserve linguistic diversity. It opens doors to a wealth of literature and arts, enriching their worldview. Ultimately, Malayalam serves as an invaluable bridge—linking these children to their roots while equipping them to engage with a diverse and globalized world. Hence, the journey of learning Malayalam represents an essential component of their personal and educational growth, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and global citizenship.
To attend a Malayalam trial class signup here.