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Malayalam, a melodic Dravidian language, is primarily spoken in the southern Indian state of Kerala, as well as the Lakshadweep islands and the Mahé district of Puducherry. With a rich linguistic heritage and a vast speaker base of around 35 million, Malayalam holds a unique position in the Indian linguistic landscape.
Originally a dialect of Tamil, Malayalam evolved into a distinct language over centuries, absorbing influences from Sanskrit and other languages. It’s the language of literary richness, thriving in poetry, dramas, and novels. It even has its own script, making it among the few Dravidian languages to have one.
Learning Malayalam lets you connect with its millions of speakers and enjoy its wealth of literature and art (the Malayalam film industry a.k.a. Mollywood is worth mentioning). But that’s not all — knowing this language opens up exciting career prospects if you’re in the fields of tourism, healthcare, or IT, which Kerala is known for. At the very least, learning Malayalam will mentally stimulate you and enhance your cognitive skills.
If you’ve already decided to study this language but don’t know where to start, I suggest picking up apps to learn Malayalam. Many of us are on our phones all the time (you’re probably reading this on mobile!) so it only makes sense to start learning on the go.
Top picks
I’m guessing you don’t have the time to explore all the apps I’ll be recommending below. That’s okay, you can simply choose from these:
- Learn Malayalam vocabulary, grammar, and script through games on Ling
- Grow your Malayalam listening skills, pronunciation, and vocabulary on uTalk
- Boost your Malayalam conversational skills with Speak Malayalam 360 and italki
With that short list out of the way, let’s look into the best apps to learn Malayalam.
Top apps to learn Malayalam
1. Ling
I get it, many online courses may feel rigid and overwhelming. That’s why I like gamified apps — the exercises feel more like play rather than lessons. And when learning Malayalam, Ling is the best gamified app to use.
The app features puzzles, quizzes, and challenges that make learning not just effective but also fun. This doesn’t mean the lessons are dumbed down. On the contrary, Ling Malayalam covers essential phrases, lots of grammar, pronunciation, and conversation practice for a comprehensive approach.
What I love most about Ling is its finger-tracing feature that teaches you how to write Malayalam characters. Since this language uses a Brahmic script which isn’t easy to learn for English speakers, these writing exercises definitely come in handy.
Why you should try Ling:
- Short, focused lessons that are easy to fit into your busy schedule
- Gamified exercises for an enjoyable experience
- Lots of conversation exercises (including chatbot)
Pricing: $14.99/month. Try it free for 7 days or enjoy a big discount with the annual subscription!
Devices: iOS and Android
2. uTalk
Another gamified app, uTalk comes with tons of interactive exercises, including quizzes, games, and speech recognition. These games strengthen your vocabulary and teach some grammar, all while keeping you engaged.
What’s great about uTalk is its focus on real-life scenarios. The app focuses on practical language skills by teaching you phrases you can use in everyday situations (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions, or making small talk). Plus, each vocabulary item comes with audio clips featuring native a Malayalam speaker. This means you get to hear clear and authentic pronunciation and accent.
uTalk sorely misses writing lessons but it lets you download lessons for offline learning, which is a win for me.
Why you should try uTalk:
- Helps build a strong foundation on Malayalam vocabulary
- Quick and interactive exercises
- Develops confidence in speaking
Pricing: Starts from $12/month but LLFH readers can enjoy a 20% discount here.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Speak Malayalam 360
If your goal is to become conversational in Malayalam, finding speaking-focused apps is key. As you can guess from its name, Speak Malayalam 360 concentrates on developing your listening and speaking skills.
The app does this by presenting words and phrases from various categories, all with native speaker audio. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation and mimic the sounds. The vocab lists are particularly helpful if you plan to learn Malayalam for traveling.
But Speak Malayalam 360 doesn’t neglect other skills. The app also lets you practice grammar rules through quizzes. And it comes with a writing pad wherein you can practice writing Malayalam characters!
Why you should try Speak Malayalam 360:
- Improves speaking skills through conversational practice
- Enhances your writing ability
- Exercises that help you understand and apply Malayalam grammar rules
Pricing: Free!
Devices: Android
4. Learn Malayalam by Edutainment Ventures
Whether you’d like to learn Malayalam from Arabic, French, or Tamil, it’s possible with Learn Malayalam by Edutainment Ventures. That’s because this game-like app lets you learn Malayalam from 11 base languages.
With over 2,000 words across 55 topics, this app is a powerful tool for expanding your vocabulary. Although not particularly appealing, images help establish recall. And to help you remember the words longer, you can save and review learned words.
This app also comes with native speaker audio, as well as Brahmic and phonetic rendering to help you learn pronunciation. You can also listen to all audio in one click. It may not be visually pleasing but it can be a comprehensive tool for rapid learning.
Why you should try Learn Malayalam by Edutainment Ventures:
- Focuses on essential vocabulary
- Native speaker audio and voice recognition to enhance speaking skills
- You can learn from your native language and learn offline
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
5. Malayalam 101 – Learn to Write
This app is pretty much straightforward. As its name suggests, it’s focused on teaching you how to write.
Malayalam 101 is the app to turn to if you simply want an interactive way to learn the Malayalam vowels, consonants, and numbers. You won’t find any vocabulary, grammar, or speaking lessons here as the app just hones your writing skills.
If that sounds too easy, you’ll be relieved to know that the games come in multiple modes: easy, normal, and freestyle. The “easy” mode guides you in tracing the characters, the “normal” mode targets writing precision, while the “freestyle” mode allows you to write in your unique style. You can also take quizzes to assess your progress.
Why you should try Malayalam 101:
- Builds a strong writing foundation
- Interactive way of learning how to count in Malayalam
- Variety of learning modes to choose from
Pricing: â‚ą 199 to unlock all items
6. Malayalam Alphabets Tracing
Try Malayalam Alphabets Tracing
Here’s another Malayalam learning app for those who want to master writing the Malayalam alphabet and numbers.
With Malayalam Alphabets Tracing, you don’t just familiarize yourself with what each character looks like. You also get clear instructions on how to form these characters by learning the correct stroke order.
The app features animated step-by-step guides and phonics support to help you memorize letter and number formations. You can also hear the letters’ sounds as recorded by a native speaker. Flashcards also help build recall.
Why you should try Malayalam Alphabets Tracing:
- Develops a solid base for written Malayalam
- Gamified elements for fun learning time
- Offline accessibility
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
Devices: Android
7. italki
Find Malayalam tutors on italki
A Malayalam tutor on your phone? Say no more.
It’s not easy to find Malayalam tutors online as it’s not a popular language to learn. Fortunately, italki, one of the best websites for finding language tutors, has several Malayalam tutors onboard. As of writing, only a couple of them are professional (certified) tutors and the rest are all community tutors but they’re all highly rated teachers.
For one, these tutors are native Malayalam speakers who can converse with you in real time and provide instant feedback. While most of them have pre-programmed lesson plans, you may request personalized lessons depending on your needs and goals.
Why you should try italki:
- Learn authentic pronunciation and get feedback from native speakers
- Lessons customized to your goals and needs
- Flexible scheduling and budget options
Pricing: Starts from $8/session but you book discounted trial lessons.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. Verbling
Find Malayalam tutors on Verbling
Another platform for finding Malayalam tutors online is Verbling. This popular site has teachers in over 70 languages. As of writing, there are only a handful of Malayalam teachers. Still, it offers a good alternative to self-studying.
Verbling lets you connect with native Malayalam tutors and schedule lesson times that fit your schedule. Some teachers offer lesson plans targeting specific skills. However, since you get private coaching, your tutor can address areas of improvement and determine the best route to reach your goals.
Not sure about the tutor you’ve chosen? No need to commit just yet, you can book a trial lesson first.
Why you should try Verbling:
- Native Malayalam tutors for immersive lessons that cover both language and culture
- Personalized instruction and focused practice
- Regular assessments and feedback
Pricing: varies per tutor
Devices: iOS and Android
FAQ about learning Malayalam
Where is Malayalam spoken?
Malayalam is primarily spoken in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It’s also the official language of the Lakshadweep islands and the MahĂ© district of Puducherry. While the majority of Malayalam speakers live in Kerala, the language is also spoken by significant populations in neighboring states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Is it easy to learn Malayalam?
Learning Malayalam can be challenging but rewarding. Its unique script and pronunciation might pose initial hurdles, but the language’s structure and grammar are relatively straightforward. As with any language, consistency and immersion are key to mastering Malayalam. With discipline and the right resources, you can gradually build fluency in this language.
Can I learn Malayalam online?
Absolutely! Learning Malayalam online is now easier than ever. With a plethora of resources available, from language learning apps above to online courses and platforms connecting you with native speakers, you can study Malayalam from the comfort of your home. You can even learn Malayalam on YouTube!
Can I learn Malayalam on Duolingo?
Unfortunately, Duolingo does not currently offer a Malayalam course. However, there are other language-learning apps and online resources that can help you start your Malayalam journey. This includes Ling and uTalk, which are both gamified learning apps.
What is the easiest way to learn Malayalam?
The easiest way to learn Malayalam is through consistent immersion and practice. Start with the basics like the alphabet and common phrases, then gradually build your vocabulary and grammar. Resources like language learning apps, online courses, and books can be invaluable.
However, nothing beats engaging in conversations with native speakers to improve your fluency. Online tutors from italki can help if there are no native speakers in your area.
What’s the best app to learn Malayalam?
Determining the best app to learn Malayalam depends on individual learning styles and goals. However, several popular options stand out.
Ling offers gamified lessons for quick learning, while uTalk focuses on building vocabulary and conversational skills. Speak Malayalam 360 also provides a well-rounded curriculum. If you prefer one-on-one interaction, italki connects you with native Malayalam tutors for personalized lessons. Ultimately, a combination of these platforms can be effective for mastering the language.