Pronunciation: [ˈɜːjʊlə] (IPA) 
The word "Irula" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /iɾuːɭə/. The first sound is a short "i," like in "bit," followed by a tapped "r" sound, similar to the "tt" sound in "butter." The third sound is a long "oo" sound, as in "moon," and the fourth sound is the "l" sound. The final sound is a short "a," like in "cat." "Irula" is a word used to describe an indigenous tribe in Southern India.
Irula refers to both an ethnic group and a language spoken by this group. The Irula people are an indigenous community that primarily inhabits the southern parts of India, specifically the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They are recognized as one of the scheduled tribes of India and have a distinct cultural identity. The Irula language, also known as Irular or Iruliga, is a Dravidian language spoken exclusively by the Irula community.
The Irula language is primarily oral and does not have a well-developed script; however, it has been documented using the Tamil script on various occasions. It belongs to the Tamil-Kannada subgroup within the Dravidian language family and has significant influences from Tamil and other neighboring Dravidian languages. The vocabulary of Irula reflects their unique lifestyle and environment, with words related to agriculture, hunting, gathering, and other traditional occupations being prominent.
The Irula people have a deep association with nature and possess traditional knowledge about herbs, medicinal plants, and the behavior of wildlife. Historically, the Irula have engaged in various occupations such as agriculture, hunting, and snake catching. However, with changes in societal dynamics and environmental conservation laws, their traditional way of life has been significantly impacted.
Today, efforts are being made to preserve the Irula language and culture through documentation, community initiatives, and educational programs. These endeavors aim to ensure the transmission of their knowledge, traditions, and language to the younger generation, thereby safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of the Irula people.
The word "irula" is derived from the name of an ethnic group in India called the "Irulas". The Irulas are predominantly found in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The name "Irula" is believed to have its origins in the Tamil language, which is spoken in the region. However, the specific etymology of the word "Irula" is not well-documented or widely known. It is likely that the word has ancient roots within the Tamil language and reflects the cultural heritage and identity of the Irula people.
