Orality and Tradition: The Role of Language in Preserving Kani Tribal Knowledge

The Kani tribes of Kanyakumari district are an indigenous community whose cultural identity is closely tied to their language. The Kani language serves not only as a medium of communication but also as a archive of traditional knowledge, including folklore, rituals, medicinal practices, and social norms. This paper examines the oral traditions of the Kani community, highlighting how linguistic practices preserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It also explores the challenges posed by  odernization, formal education, and globalization on language usage. Strategies for documentation and revitalization are
discussed to emphasize the critical role of language in sustaining cultural continuity and identity among the Kani tribes.