Dialects: Like Malayalam , but with peculiar intonation and dialect virtually unintelligible to others (Shashi 1994; Menon 1996). Lexical similarity: 65% with Malayalam ,, 61% with Aranadan ,, 83% with Pathiya ,, 81% with Kalanadi ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 1,000 (2004 SIL).
Language Use: Continued vitality doubtful, due to small population, no separate settlements, living with Malayalis, and similarity to Malayalam [mal]. Home. Also use Malayalam [mal].
Nation of Origin: India
Other Comments: Common cultural origin with Kalanadiyar and Pathiyar. Hindu.