MALAPPURAM: The Malayalam University has set up a centre for studies of Arabi Malayalam language widely used by Muslims in Malabar between 17th and 20th centuries. The centre, the first of a university, promotes research on the language and its rich literary contributions which almost went oblivion over the years. K.T. Jaleel, minister for local self-government, will open the centre at the university in Tirur.
"It will be the first exclusive centre for studies on Arabi Malayalam. There are several rare works of fiction and poetry in this language, besides those on medicine, oceanography and mathematics, used by Mappilas of Malabar," says Dr M.N. Karasseri, an advisory council member.
The foundations of this language go back to the early century trade interactions between Arabs and the Muslim community along Malabar coast. Arabi Malayalam is a combination of Arabic and Persian script in the Malayalam language. The Arabi Malayalam poetry works in various genres namely Malappattu, Padappattu, Kissappattu and Madhupattu are still popular among Malabar's Muslims, or Moplas.
