Pelita: Jurnal Studi Islam Mahasiswa UII Dalwa
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): November

Preservation and Revitalization of Hybrid Scripts of Traditional Muslim Communities: A Study of Arabi-Malayalam

KP, Hassan Shareef (Unknown)
Khan, Shebeeb (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study examines the preservation and revitalization of Arabi-Malayalam, a unique hybrid script combining Arabic script with the Malayalam language, historically used by the Mappila Muslim community in Malabar, Kerala, India. This research addresses the decline of Arabi-Malayalam due to sociocultural changes, educational reforms, and religious movements, highlighting its significance in maintaining cultural identity and heritage. Employing a qualitative, literature-based methodology, this study analyzes historical developments, cultural contexts, and comparative cases of endangered language preservation. It identifies the rich literary and scientific contributions of Arabi-Malayalam and the challenges posed by its diminishing use among the region’s younger generations. This study proposes multifaceted strategies for revitalization, including community engagement, educational initiatives, technological integration, and institutional support, to ensure the script’s continued relevance. The findings emphasize the importance of balancing tradition and modernity, advocating for Arabi-Malayalam as a complementary cultural asset alongside standard Malayalam. This revitalization effort not only preserves a vital link to the Mappila community’s past but also fosters cultural pride, intellectual advancement, and social cohesion in contemporary world.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pelita

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Social Sciences Other

Description

This journal publishes research based articles on Islamic Studies from interdisciplinary perspectives. In particular, articles which consider the following general topics are invited, Islamic Philosophy, Islamic Thought and Literature, Islam and Peace Science and Civilization in Islam, Islam in ...