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A bit strange that Sinhala is classified as Indo-European rather than as Dravidian, as one might think from geography.
by billfruit 7y ago
A bit strange that Sinhala is classified as Indo-European rather than as Dravidian, as one might think from geography.
- najarvg 7y agoI initially found that strange too given that there is a distinct Sri Lankan Tamil dialect (Jaffna, Batticaloa versions etc) but it looks like Sinhala came in as an original Indo-Eurpoean language and mingled with surrounding languages to borrow some words etc. Here are some opinionated commentaries on that: http://www.applet-magic.com/sinhaleselan.htm http://www.applet-magic.com/sinhaleselan.htm http://www.island.lk/2003/11/05/featur02.html http://www.island.lk/2003/11/05/featur02.html Would love to see an authoritative source confirming these.
- jvsg 7y agoThe sinhalese people of Sri Lanka are Indo-European, not dravidian. IIRC they came from Modern day Bengal.
- billfruit 7y agoBut Sinhalese culture,food etc is closer to Dravidian.