VARIATION OF LEXICAL ITEMS AND THE CHANGING NEED OF IDENTITY PROJECTION: A STUDY ON MAPPILA MALAYALAM

This paper analyses the variation in language at the lexical level and how the lexical choice of the speaker(s) affects in shaping their identity by obtaining primary data from the lexicon of the Mappila dialect of Malayalam spoken by the members of Mappila (Muslim) community of Kerala. Borrowings from Arabic, Persian and Urdu helped in shaping their identity as Mappilas because of the correlation between these languages and the Muslim religion. The paper shows how a variation in the lexical choice of the speakers could be socially motivated and involve in shaping and changing identities and lexical items or vocabulary clearly project the group identity and personal identity.