Malayalee

Malayalee, also spelled Malayali or Malayali, is the term for a native or inhabitant of the Indian state of Kerala and for people of Malayali ethnicity who speak Malayalam. The name reflects the region’s linguistic and cultural identity, and it is used by both residents of Kerala and the Malayali diaspora.

Language and identity: Malayalam, a Dravidian language, is the mother tongue of most Malayalees and the official language of Kerala and Lakshadweep. It uses the Malayalam script and has a number of regional dialects.

Geography and diaspora: While most Malayalees live in Kerala, large communities exist in the Gulf Cooperation Council states and in other parts of India and the world, formed through historical trade links and labor migration. The diaspora maintains Malayali cultural practices, social networks, and media.

Culture and society: Malayalee culture encompasses literature, cinema, classical arts such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and a diverse culinary tradition featuring rice, coconut, fish, and spices. The religious composition includes Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflecting Kerala’s pluralism. Education and social reform movements have shaped Kerala’s high literacy and social indicators.