Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala


Kerala Bhasha Institute (State Institute of Languages)

Kerala Bhasha Institute was established on September 16, 1968, with the aim of developing Malayalam into an effective medium of communication for modern scientific and technological knowledge, for preparing Malayalam text books for higher education and for reinventing the language so as to enable it to adapt to the changing needs of the times. Twelve years later, on November 1, 1980, a regional centre was set up in Kozhikode.

The very first publications of the Institute included 16 glossaries (shabdaavali) including a Vijnaanashabdaavali and a Maanavikashabdaavali. Such glossaries were made in keeping with the guidelines for technical terminology put in place by a standing commission dealing with the production of scientific and technological glossaries.

In 1996, then the Computer Book Series scheme was initiated, the Institute changed its policies with regard to its glossaries. They also rewrote the Malayalam Shorthand Manual, and are involved in the work of publishing the complete works of famous authors and comprehensive study books.

On the anvil are plans to develop a mechanism for recording dictation in Malayalam as is currently available in English, a ‘work bench’ for translators, a system for providing the Vijnaanakairali magazine and other publications on mobile phones and a plan to develop a CD and tutoring system for language study.

To know more about the Kerala Bhasha Institute click here.


Cultural News