Beary language dictionary launched big step forward

Beary language dictionary launched big step forward

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 3, 2017: Speaking at the launch of Beary-Kannada-English dictionary brought out by the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy recently,  writer Aravind Malagatti said that culture and language comprise the lifeline of a community and dictionaries are essential to retain the identity of various languages, .

Malagatti said that, " Compiling of a dictionary is like the process of constructing a dam. It is for the people to make use of the knowledge from the dictionary. By bringing out a Beary dictionary, the Academy has done a commendable job as it shows the vast reach of the language."

Stating that no language can thrive independently, Dr Malagatti said that a language grows in association with other languages. Beary language has elements of Kannada, Tulu, Malayalam, Arabic and Persian languages as well. He further, said that Beary language is on the verge of extinction in Kerala. When one develops an inferiority complex towards a language, then it moves towards extinction. There is a need to create awareness about the language. The younger generation have a greater responsibility in carrying forward the language and culture for future generations.

He hoped that a Beary Study Centre would be opened at Mangalore University at the earliest to take up research activities in the language.

Academy Chairman B A Muhammed Haneef said that the dictionary runs over 876 pages and will be offered at a discounted price of Rs 500 as against the original cover price of Rs 700. It includes 20,000 words with meanings in both English and Kannada.

Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai launched the dictionary while Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader released Belkeri Visheshanka.

KSOU former VC Prof B A Viveka Rai, MLA J R Lobo and others were present during the launch along with many local participants..