Which of the following languages is mainly spoken in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Malayalam is the principal and official language of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
This is due to the archipelago's strong historical and geographical links with the state of Kerala, which lies on the closest mainland coast.
A distinct dialect of Malayalam, known as Jeseri or Dweep Bhasha, is spoken on most of the islands.
The script used for writing is the modern Malayalam script.

Option A: Kannada is the official language of the state of Karnataka, not Lakshadweep.
Option B: Telugu is the primary language of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Option D: Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Official and spoken languages of Indian Union Territories as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general knowledge question, understanding regional languages and cultures is crucial for effective communication and building rapport, a principle applicable in many professions, including public service and healthcare.
Awareness of linguistic diversity helps in providing culturally sensitive care and information to people from different parts of the country.
What if? - If the question had asked about the language of Minicoy island specifically, the correct answer would be Mahl, which is related to the Dhivehi language of the Maldives, not Malayalam.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the main language of a specific Indian Union Territory, Lakshadweep.
Recall or deduce the geographical location of Lakshadweep. It is an archipelago in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of southwestern India.
Consider the languages of the nearby mainland states. The closest state is Kerala.
Based on geographical proximity and historical connections, the language of the nearest state is the most likely answer. Malayalam is the language of Kerala.
Evaluate the other options: Kannada (Karnataka), Telugu (Andhra Pradesh/Telangana), and Tamil (Tamil Nadu) are languages of states that are not as geographically close to Lakshadweep as Kerala.
Therefore, Malayalam is the most logical choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.