Kannada vs. Tamil: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 23, 2024
Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken primarily in Karnataka, India, with a rich literary tradition, while Tamil, also Dravidian, is spoken in Tamil Nadu, India, and Sri Lanka, known for its ancient literature and classical language status.
Key Differences
Kannada, originating in Karnataka, is spoken by about 38 million people, while Tamil, with roots in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, has over 75 million speakers. Both are classical languages of India, steeped in history.
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Feb 23, 2024
The Kannada script evolved from the Brahmi script, featuring 49 phonemic letters, whereas Tamil script, also derived from Brahmi, consists of 12 vowels, 18 consonants, and one special character. Both scripts are syllabic.
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In terms of grammar, Kannada has a complex structure with three genders and two number forms, while Tamil grammar is noted for its lack of gender inflections in nouns and a more rigid syntax, making both languages unique in structure.
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The literature of Kannada, dating back to the 9th century, includes works like "Vikramarjuna Vijaya," whereas Tamil literature, one of the oldest in the world, features "Sangam literature," showcasing the depth of both cultures.
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Kannada is influenced by Sanskrit and has many loanwords from it, whereas Tamil has a purist approach, resisting Sanskrit influences, reflecting the diverse linguistic evolution of both languages.
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Comparison Chart
Literature
Rich, includes works like "Jaimini Bharata"
Ancient, features "Sangam Literature"
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Kannada and Tamil Definitions
Kannada
Kannada refers to the speakers of the Kannada language.
Kannada people are known for their hospitality.
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Tamil
The Tamil script is unique and ancient.
She writes beautifully in Tamil script.
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Kannada
Kannada is a Dravidian language of India.
I learned Kannada in Bangalore.
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Tamil
Tamil literature is one of the richest in Indian history.
I am reading an epic from Tamil literature.
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Kannada
The Kannada script is used for writing the Kannada language.
The Kannada script is elegant.
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Tamil
Tamil culture includes a variety of arts and cuisines.
We attended a Tamil cultural event.
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Kannada
Kannada is also used to denote the region where the language is spoken.
We traveled through the Kannada region.
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Tamil
Tamil is one of the oldest living languages in the world.
I am learning Tamil at school.
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Kannada
Kannada culture is rich in dance and music.
The Kannada culture festival was vibrant.
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Jan 14, 2024
Tamil
Tamil refers to the people who speak the Tamil language.
Tamil people have a rich cultural heritage.
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Kannada
The principal Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka.
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Tamil
A member of a Dravidian people of southern India and northern Sri Lanka.
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Tamil
One of a Dravidian race of men native of Northern Ceylon and Southern India.
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Tamil
A member of the mixed Dravidian and Caucasoid people of southern India and Sri Lanka
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Tamil
The Dravidian language spoken since prehistoric times by the Tamil people in southern India and Sri Lanka
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Tamil
Of or relating to a speaker of the Tamil language or the language itself;
The Tamil Tigers are fighting the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka
Tamil agglutinative phrases
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are there any similarities between Kannada and Tamil cultures?
Yes, both cultures share Dravidian roots, reflected in their dance, music, and architectural styles.
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Feb 23, 2024
Are Kannada and Tamil mutually intelligible?
No, they are distinct languages with different scripts and grammar, making mutual intelligibility limited.
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Can Tamil speakers easily learn Kannada?
While both are Dravidian languages, their distinct scripts and grammatical structures can pose challenges for learners.
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What makes Tamil a classical language?
Tamil's rich and ancient literature, along with its unique linguistic tradition, grants it classical language status.
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How does Tamil handle foreign words?
Tamil typically adapts foreign words to its phonetic and scriptural system, maintaining linguistic purity.
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Is Kannada older than Tamil?
Tamil is considered older, with origins tracing back to at least 500 BC, whereas Kannada's earliest inscriptions date from around the 5th century AD.
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What is unique about the Kannada script?
The Kannada script is known for its rounded shapes and is derived from the ancient Brahmi script.
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Do Kannada and Tamil have the same number of letters in their alphabets?
No, the Kannada alphabet has 49 phonemic letters, while Tamil has around 30 characters.
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Are there any shared festivals between Kannada and Tamil people?
Yes, festivals like Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Sankranti in Karnataka share similarities.
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What is a famous Kannada literary work?
"Pampa Bharata" by Adikavi Pampa is a renowned Kannada epic.
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What is unique about Tamil literature?
Tamil literature, especially Sangam literature, is known for its age, richness, and poetic excellence.
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What role does Kannada play in Indian cinema?
Kannada cinema, known as Sandalwood, is a significant part of the Indian film industry.
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What is the status of Kannada in India?
Kannada is the official language of Karnataka and a recognized classical language of India.
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What role does Tamil play in Indian politics?
Tamil Nadu's politics are deeply influenced by Tamil culture, language, and identity issues.
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Are there any common words between Kannada and Tamil?
There are some common words, but generally, they maintain distinct vocabularies.
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How widespread is Tamil outside India?
Tamil is spoken in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and among the Tamil diaspora worldwide.
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Is Tamil taught globally?
Yes, Tamil is taught in various universities worldwide due to its classical status and diaspora.
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Can Kannada literature be found in ancient inscriptions?
Yes, Kannada inscriptions date back to the 5th century AD, reflecting its rich literary tradition.
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Feb 23, 2024
How do Kannada and Tamil films contribute to Indian culture?
Both film industries showcase their respective cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage, enriching Indian cinema.
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Is Kannada influenced by other languages?
Yes, Kannada has been influenced by Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other local languages.
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Feb 23, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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