X PREFACE.
der it both useful and acceptable. While travelling in
different parts of the country in the prosecution of his
more important duties as a Missionary, he has for several
years carefully studied the language; comparing the
provincialisms, and idiomatic phrases as spoken by differ-
ent classes, and in different parts: noting or rejecting
mere local or foreign expressions and, in short, endea-
vouring as much as possible to render the work a com-
plete grammar of the vernacular language.
The different sheets when written out for the press
underwent a strict examination by some of the Author's
respected friends, to whom his thanks are in a special
manner due, as their criticisms enabled him to correct
many imperfections that had otherwise escaped notice.
The plan and style of this work have been regulated
by the object that more particularly induced the writer
to consent to its being published; this was two fold,
First, to assist strangers desirous of acquiring a know-
ledge of the Malayalim language.
Secondly and chiefly,* to assist and encourage Native
gentlemen acquainted with English to cultivate the study
of their own beautiful language, with the ultimate view of
promoting general education, in the vernacular tongue,
through the means of Native agency.
To the learned European, who may have occasion
to study Malayalim, this work, independent of the im-
perfections that attach to it as a mere grammar, may
appear open to objection with respect to its arrangement
and style.
In reply it is to be observed that the object of the Au-
- But for this last motive, this Grammar would certainly never have
appeared: the time it has taken, would have been devoted to writing
Malayalim Books for the direct benefit of the people.
