World · India Bureau
Karnataka grants official language status to Tulu
The Karnataka government has elevated Tulu, a language spoken in coastal regions of the state, to the status of second additional official language. The move fulfills a long-standing demand from Tulu-speaking communities.
LSN India ·
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's administration has granted official language recognition to Tulu, marking a significant development for speakers of the language predominantly used in the coastal districts of the southern Indian state.
The decision elevates Tulu to the status of second additional official language in Karnataka, joining Kannada as a recognized medium for state communications and administrative purposes. The move addresses a demand that has persisted for several decades among Tulu-speaking populations in the region.
Tulu, primarily spoken in the coastal areas of Karnataka, has long sought formal recognition despite its cultural and historical significance to the region. The language is also spoken in parts of Kerala and has a diaspora presence across southern India.
The grant of official status is expected to enable the use of Tulu in government correspondence, educational institutions, and official documentation within the designated areas. This recognition aims to preserve and promote the language while ensuring its continued relevance in public administration and education.
The development reflects the state government's commitment to acknowledging the linguistic diversity of Karnataka, where multiple languages coexist alongside the official state language of Kannada.