Kannada School 2022

Kannada as a Classical Language

Kannada, the Dravidian language of the South Indian state of Karnataka, is a classical Indian language and distinguished by its rich literary history. Today, Kannada is spoken by about 50 million people.

This course focusses on Vachanas. After an introduction into classical Kannada, selected Vachanas of Veerashaiva poets of the 12th century will be read and studied. The reader “Medieval Kannada Literature” by C.N. Ramachandran and B.A. Viveka Rai, published in 2022, Ramanujan’s “Speaking of Śiva” and Nagabhushana Swamy’s “The Sign” will be used as reference texts for comparing the translations with the original Vachanas in Kannada. A scan of the relevant texts will be sent after registration.

Participants are expected to possess knowledge of fundamental grammar and the Kannada script before attending the course. Interested persons are requested to enclose a short letter of motivation (max. half page) until April 25th 2022. In case of any doubts please do not hesitate to contact Anna Aurelia Esposito E-Mail.
The course is taught by Prof. Dr. B.A. Viveka Rai, who is a retired professor of Kannada Literature and Folklore at the University of Mangalore.
Please register until April 25, 2022!

For further information, please see attached poster!