Deliberations On Reformation Of WRITING SYSTEM OF KANNADA LANGUAGE M. V.

Srinivasa
pranava.srinivasa@gmail.com 1. Kannada is one of the major Dravidian languages. Its script is derived from Brahmi script and has undergone many reformations over centuries. Writing system of Kannada language is abugida or alphasyllabary.

Kannada Alphabet of the present day

2. At present, Kannada alphabet has 50 letters consisting of 14 vowels, 2 diacritics and 34 consonants. The two diacritics are called yogavaahas whose pronunciation depends on context. In addition, it has ten symbols for numerals 0 to 9. The current Kannada alphabet is as follows: 2.1. Vowels: 2.2. Diacritics: C D E F G H I I J K L M N O A B

2.3. Consonants: Vargeeya Vyajanas (Grouped Consonants) 2.3.1. Velars 2.3.2. Palatals 2.3.3. Retroflex 2.3.4. Dentals 2.3.5. Labials P S U W Y Z b e ghi k m o q qs u v x z zs s s i Avargeeya Vyajanas (Ungrouped Consonants) Aii g 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2.3.6. 2.4. Numerals:

Critical Review of the Present Day Kannada Writing System

3. Since the writing system of Kannada language is alphasyllabary, actual glyphs used are far more in number than graphemes of Kannada alphabet. A syllable is defined here as a consonant with an inherent vowel. More than one consonant can precede an inherent vowel. A syllable consisting of two consonants preceding an inherent vowel is common in occurrence; even syllables with three consonants preceding an inherent vowel can also occur. Syllables with two or three consonants preceding an inherent vowel are called conjunct consonants or samyukthaksharas (AAiPPgU). All consonants have conjunct forms also and these conjunct forms are used in writing conjunct consonants. All vowels in Kannada language have diacritic forms used in writing inherent vowels in syllables. Symbolically a syllable with a consonant and an inherent vowel can be represented as CV. A syllable with two consonants and a vowel following them can be represented as CCV. Likewise a syllable with three consonants and an inherent vowel can be represented as CCCV. Here C stands for consonant and V for vowel. 4. A syllable with a consonant and an inherent vowel (C1V) is written as follows: The consonant (C1) is written with a little modification and then diacritic of the inherent vowel is appended to it. For example, 4.1. P + C = P, . 4.2. In this process, as many as 34 X 14 = 476 glyphs are required for all possible combinations of syllables of the form CV. 5. In the case of a syllable with two consonants followed by a vowel (C1C2V), the glyph of the syllable is formed as follows: The first consonant (C1) is written with a little modification and then diacritic of the inherent vowel is appended to it! Then conjunct form of the second consonant C2 is written just to the right and below it. It is strange that the inherent vowel, which belongs to the consonant C2, is appended to the consonant C1. For example, Z + E = a, m + G = l, v + I =v, + K =

5.1. P + + K = P, + g + F = , + + K = , v + g + L = v 5.2. In this process, as many as 34 X 34 X 14 = 16,184 glyphs are required for all possible combinations of syllables of the form CCV. 6. In the case of a syllable with three consonants followed by a vowel (C1C2C3V), the glyph of the syllable is formed as follows: The first consonant (C1) is written with a little modification and then diacritic of the inherent vowel is appended to it! Then conjunct forms of the second and third consonants (C2C3) are written just to the right and below it. It is strange that the inherent vowel, which belongs to the consonant C3, is appended to the consonant C1. For example, 6.1. P + +i + E = Q, + v + Aii +C = , + v + g + F = 6.2. In this process, as many as 34 X 34 X 34 X 14 = 55,026 glyphs are required for all possible combinations of syllables of the form CCCV. 7. Summing up, the total number of glyphs to be formed for all the above cases works out to 14 +34 + 476 + 16,184 + 55,026 = 71,734 glyphs. 8. It can be argued that the process of writing syllables in Kannada becomes easier once the alphabet, diacritics for vowels and conjunct forms of consonants are committed to memory and systematic approach to form a syllable is mastered. It is true that once the writing system is mastered completely, reading and writing of Kannada becomes less difficult. However complexity of learning factors make learning Kannada writing system quite difficult. Psychological aspects are often neglected. Linguistic psychology has a role to play here. 9. Another factor to be considered in the case of conjunct consonants (AAiPPgU) is relatively smaller size of conjunct forms of consonants. Conjunct forms are used for all consonants of a syllable except the first one. Bigger size fonts and more line space are required. Pixel based sign boards are to be bigger. Due to large number of glyphs with intricate

shapes (71,734), Optical Character Recognition (OCR) programs become complex and their reliability factor may be reduced. 10.Conjunct consonants (AAiPPgU) do not obey the principal premise of phonetic writing system. Vowel that is pronounced at the end of a syllable is attached to the first consonant of the syllable! Appearance of the glyphs of these syllables is anomalous and confounding. Similarly, in the particular case of conjunct consonants (AAiPPgU) where the first consonant is g, inherent vowel of a syllable is attached rightly to the consonant preceding the vowel but the diacritic for the first consonant g (CPv) is placed afterwards! This practice is another anomaly. An example is given here: x. Though we get used to these anomalies gradually, it is not a desirable practice. Phonemes of syllables should be written strictly in the order of their pronunciation. Norms of phonetic writing system should never be compromised. 11.Out of the fourteen vowels, there are six sets of two vowels consisting of a short vowel and a long vowel: (1) C, D; (2) E, F; (3) G, H; (4) I, I; (5) J, K, (6) M, N. Pronunciation of both vowels of each set is similar. However the second vowel is long vowel and is pronounced for a period twice that of short vowel. More than one diacritic is used to indicate the long vowel in a syllable. For example: P, P, Q, Q. One glyph to indicate the diacritic of long vowel is sufficient for consistency and uniformity. 12.Writing of aspirated consonants of Vargeeya Vyanjanas is also not uniform and consistent. Some aspirated consonants have different graphemes altogether: R, W, b, gh, o, x. The remaining aspirated consonants have one diacritic to indicate that the consonant is aspirated. Using of one diacritic to indicate all aspirated consonants results in uniformity and consistency. 13.Strain on mind due to anomalies and dualities in the writing system cannot be ignored. This factor appears to have not received its due attention. Linguistic psychology may shed some light on this.

Is Reformation of Writing System of Kannada Language required?

14.Kannada script has undergone many reformations over centuries. Reformation of Kannada script is not new. Any reformations proposed should make the writing system of Kannada language very simple for everyone in Kannada world and for any person interested in learning Kannada as a second language. Though Kannada alphabet is phonetic, the present writing system of Kannada language breaks the spirit of true phonetic writing system. Conjunct consonants (AAiPPgU) do not obey the prime norm of phonetic writing system. Suggestions made by some scholars about diacritics for aspirated consonants and long vowels and deleting some phonemes and their graphemes from Kannada alphabet are to be addressed too. This point is discussed above in the critical review of the present writing system. Anomalies and dualities always tax brain. It is better the writing system of Kannada language is reformed.

How can Writing System of Kannada Language be reformed?

15.There are some suggestions made by many scholars about reformation of Kannada alphabet also. It is suggested to dispense with aspirated consonants completely and also to dispense with some letters like I, I, L, O, . Some scholars suggest that the even letters Y, k and the two yogavaahas can also be dispensed with. In addition, the long vowels D, F, H, K, N can be removed and a diacritic to indicate the long vowel can be used. Implementing these suggestions results in a simpler Kannada Alphabet and more and more people feel comfortable in reading and writing such a writing system. Minimized Kannada alphabet would be as follows: 15.1. 15.2. Vowels: Diacritics: C (D) E (F) G (H) J (K) M (N) A (B)

15.3. Consonants: (1) Vargeeya Vyajanas (Grouped Consonants) 15.3.1. Velars P U (Y)
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15.3.2. 15.3.3. 15.3.4. 15.3.5.

Palatals Retroflex Dentals Labials

Z e (k) m q u v z i

15.3.6. 15.4.

(2) Avargeeya Vyanjanas (Ungrouped Consonants) Aii g 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9)

Numerals:

16.There are 36 letters in this version of Kannada alphabet. Some scholars suggest deleting the letters shown in brackets above. This is the minimum for Kannada alphabet after considering the suggestions. 17.Retaining vowels and their diacritics in their present form results in a writing system closer to the existing one. The number of letters in the alphabet in this case is 33 letters. 18.This minimized alphabet is a subset of the present day alphabet of Kannada language. Using full set of the present day Kannada alphabet for elite version or the minimized alphabet for simplified version is okay. There is no conflict in using either version since the minimized alphabet is a subset of the full alphabet. 19.Conjunct consonants violate the principal premise of phonetic writing system. This anomaly is to be removed by avoiding conjunct form of consonants completely.

What are the Possible Alternatives?

20.Let us look at possible alternatives. The present writing system of Kannada language is alphasyllabary. Glyphs for syllables are formed using conjunct consonants and diacritics of vowels. So one possible alternative is to completely avoid conjunct form of consonants and diacritics of vowels and use only graphemes of Kannada alphabet. The second possibility is to avoid conjunct form of consonants. Implementing

suggestions made by some scholars about removing some letters of Kannada alphabet, providing common diacritic for all aspirated consonants, using diacritic for long vowels is to be addressed too. 21.At First let us look at a paragraph written using the present writing ystem of Kannada language. The Paragraph is an excerpt from the book Pq s by Dr.R.Y. Dharwardkar. A paragraph from the chapter Pq P v Czg tU is given here as an example. 21.1. sAi vjvzzAz v jAi j zAv

U vVAi jPAvzAz FUU CP rz. sAi gAiv JAzPU, g-rAwP JAzPU . Aiwg P Az Czg gPuUV Ptz Pl Qzg, P tU x DUgz. UAi, F iv Aiiz MAz sAi PP x Cvz. wAi QAi vU wz wAizAi CP zsz U Pwgv. EAx U tz U. Aiiz MAz v dg U jzU CzP Zu gzAl. geqvAi PPP Ai tU iAiV svz tU Zu qAiwgAv, CP sAi Pq Ai DU, DU U Av g UU JqirPqv. Dzg MAz iv : sAZz KPvAvPgP CP. sAZ esvz U, gdQAi tP Aiizg svz z zg P, D PtAz Czg Zu gAs. Dzg sAZziv V. J Avz M QAi MAz zg, dvAi ZuAi u PU iv Czg Zu gAsUvz. Czg DAqAi P J EAz jl v. CP U U sPrzg,

g CZAiz GPAz Pgd tVz, dv CU Pj gAv. UV CP Ai U, AzU, wsAiAzU, vvV bAzz Vgvz.

22.Reformation Alternative 1: The same paragraph is given below without any diacritics at all. Here diacritics of inherent vowels and conjunct forms of consonants are not used. Only graphemes of Kannada alphabet are used. 22.1. sDJAiiG iCvvG FgEC gCDCzCAvJ MC MC vDDUEAiiK FUDUCK CKPC

EvAiiCCgECgvCCFCDzGzJAzH CgEAiiGC CECUCCG KgEEPMGAvCCzJAzH JAGzCPPDUCF, PHEC PHEC DUJAiiK, PNCPPJ gCvEAiiMC vEEAiiCzJAiiN iKEC JCCuEUJ F iDvG CgCxD AiiCPvEAiiH CKPC

CC NqEzzKJ. sDJAiiCE xEgCgEAiiCvJ FgC-iCqECAvEPJ iNCzEAzC CgxD CzCgC JAGzCPPDUCF xDCEC. JJAiiGvvEgGC gCPCuJUDUE PCEuCzC PCmmCG DPEzCgJ, DUCDgCzG. sDJAiiC vEEzN MC AiiCHzK MAzG vCCUJ

CCAiiEGvvCzJ. EzCDzC

CzCUCG EzzsEEPMGvvEgGvvDJ. EAxC CzCUCG DuAiiCEzzC DUJ. AiiDGzN MAzG CzCG CvvG eCCgC CCUJ KgEzDUCK CzCPPJ ZCDuJ CgGGzGAmG. CJAiiC gDeAiiDqCEvJAiiCE DuAiiCUCG CKPC CC PDCPDCPPJ

DuAiiCUCG iDAiiCDUE MC gCsGvGCzC ZCDCuJ sDJAiiGH CqJAiiGvvEgGAvJ, PHqC DJAiiCK

DUCE, MCK DUCE CzCUCG EAvG KgJ CzCUCEUJ JqJiDqEPMqGvvCJ. DzCgJ MAzG iDvG :
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sDDgCCAZCzCE

KPCvCAvgDzsEPDgCPPJ sDDgCCAZCG gCsGvCzC iGzgJ

CCPDCEC. gCeDgCsGvCEzzC EzzCgJ DPG, D

DUJ, gDeCPFAiiC DuAiiCPPJ AiiDCDzCgMCC PCuCzEAzC CzCgC ZCDuJ gDgCAsC. DzCgJ sDDgCCAZCzCE GzzsECAvCDzC CzCG ZCDCuJ JmK iCvgC DUEC. JmK MAzG MC AiiCPvEAiiG

EgiEEzzCgH, gDgCAsCDUGvvzJ.

eCCvJAiiC DAqCAiiAiiCG CzCgCE

ZCDuJAiiC iCCuJ EPPDUK iDvgC CzCgC CgEgCiCCmmG EAzG CzCUCCG CvvCG. CKPC

EgiEEPMAqEzzCgH, iGPPDGDG CzCUCC CZZCEAiiCzK KuCUEzCl, EzsEAiiC DUJ,

iHCCgHCCG GECKPJAzG eCCvJ PKFgDeCG CGUCCG

zsEPPCgECG gDgCAsEEvG. FUDUE CAiiCPvC sDD-gCDCJAGzDUCF, vDKvDDV gCvEsJAiiJAGzDUCF, CbCAzCzCE CUEgGvvCzJ. 22.2. This version of writing system is a truly phonemic writing system. If this version is taught from the beginning, it is very easy to learn and master and less taxing to brain. 22.3. Software like OCR, word processing, text to speech, etc. are less complex to develop and more reliable and efficient. 22.4. Some computer organizations and Internet browsers have tried this version of writing system for Kannada. 22.5. People who are using the present writing system of Kannada may feel the above text very different. However, if this version of
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writing system is taught from the beginning, then learning and using it will be simple. 22.6. Chances of people accepting this version may be less.

23.Reformation Alternative 2: 23.1. Example 1: Again the same paragraph is given below. Here only diacritics of Vowels are used. Conjunct forms of consonants are not used. Conjunct consonants where both the consonants are same (ewAi MvPgU), are very common in Kannada. Hence a diacritic (a dot above) is suggested to represent them. 23.1.1. sAi vAijgvzzAz v jAi j

gzAv U vVAi jPAvzAz FUU CP rz. sAi ygjAiv JAzPU, g-rAwP JAzPU x. Aiwg P Az Czg gPuUV Ptz Pl Qzg, P tU gx DUgz. UAi, F iv Aiiz MAz sAi PP x Cvz. wAi AiPwAi vU wz wAizAi CP zsz zU Pwgv. EAx zU uAiz U. Aiiz MAz z v dg U jzU CzP Zu gzAl. geAiiqvAi gsvz PPP Ai Zu uAiU iAiV uAiU

qAiwgAv, CP sAi Pq Ai DU, DU zU Av g zUU JqirPqv. Dzg MAz iv : sgAZz gegsvz Dzg KPvAvgPgP U, gdQAi V. CP. uAiP Jm sgAZ Aiizg Avz M

gsvz zg zg P, D PtAz Czg Zu ggAs. sgAZzivg AiPwAi MAz z gzg, dvAi ZuAi u PU ivg Czg Zu ggAsUvz. DAqAi Jm

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jgl zU PArzg, Czg P EAz v. CP zU g CZAiz GPAz Pgd tVzl, dv CU Pj ggAv. UV CAiPv Ai U, s-gAzU, gwsAiAzU, vvV bAzz Vgvz. 23.2. Example2: Another example is given below where the minimized Kannada alphabet is used. This is an excerpt from the book zsAi t v ZP g by Dr. B. B. Rajapurohit published by Mr.Parashurama Kodagunti of Bandara Prakashana, Maski, Karnataka. First paragraph from the publishers words: GAiz zU 23.2.1.
PqzU UUAi Cj vgU mAiU gP JAz gPz Pv DAiUU MAz. Czg j Ev dUwU Pl z. Dzg Pq Aiiv vA AzAi Ez. F nU Pl PUUPz CAiPv Ez. Pq jAiiU DUPz CP PUU CP A zAg PVzg. Cg vgwU vAiig iqPz vgvFU Ez. F n gP P ZgU vAiVlPArz. Pqz CP A CjUg g g Cj nUU Ezg. CgUAz Pl MAi, Jvgz ZgU PqzU g zAi. Fn gPz MAz vz gAivz V F vP ggwz. PqzU j gU MAzl E. CUU Cl El JAAv GAi UU gvz. Dzg F nU E a gtU PqP P JAzAz rPAiiVz. q. . gdgvg GAij (zU) AiiU zq zv Egg. Pqz gdgvg ivg ivqg JAz F Pvg, P ZgU vUqz. CAv zv Cgz. eUwP lz CP A zAgAV Mql, dUw CP zAiiAi, AvUAV Cg Al, CP PqU Nz, P irz C F zzU j CjU F Jvgz eU vAzPn. Cg PqzU F z gzz P JAz P. Cg gtU P gzU Pl Az. Dzg Cg EwZU PqzU vPU ZV gAiwzg. Ez PqUjU MAi . PrUg PAi DU EAV vPU .

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23.3. Example 3: One more example is given below where the minimized Kannada alphabet is used. In addition, the long vowels D, F, H, K, N are avoided and a diacritic for long vowels () is used. When a long vowel is to be written, corresponding short vowel is written followed by the diacritic for the long vowels (). Diacritic for any inherent long vowel in a syllable is () only. This results in uniformity and consistency. 23.3.1. vAi Pq GAiVU z z rPj z, U E

Cgt gtz Ufz, U wg v AigP PU zU FAiiV gAi C. U Aig Pl Ai vUv. zAizg Cz P. w C, P C, Arv Cgt gt, Jgq UAii CAv J v PrP. U rzg Jgq U zAi AivAi U Uw. P j sP gqU gAizg EAv Jm vgv CAv U v. U v AiiUP Pl gA EgU E rmU U v PrPP U zAi? F Ai Plg MjU zU, zq zqg v qU AiP v PrPwAi. U Uwg Cl jAiiV gAiPzg P, CAzg Cg. 23.4. These three examples in Alternative 2 are not as much different from the present system of writing as the example in Alternative 1. The advantages of the alternative 2 for the present writing system of Kannada language are as follows: 23.5. This alternative of the writing system conforms to the fundamental premise of phonetic writing system. Order of writing of phonemes fully conforms to the order of their pronunciation. Processing by brain is simpler. 23.6. Conjunct forms of consonants are avoided completely. There

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are no smaller size conjunct forms of consonants placed below the normal text level. People using this writing system can forget conjunct forms of consonants forever. Those who learn Kannada language need not learn conjunct forms of consonants at all. The text is uniform in size and easy to read and write. Uniform line spacing is enough. 23.7. In the example 1 above, total number of graphemes and glyphs used is only 14+34+476 = 524 only compared to 71,734 of the present writing system. Less taxing to mind; easy to use. OCR programs can use brute force techniques also. OCR programs can be less complex, more reliable and faster. In the examples 2 and 3, OCR programs have to deal with lesser number of combinations and can be faster. 23.8. Removing the long vowels D, F, H, K, N and using a diacritic

for long vowel () makes the alphabet absolute minimum. Dealing with long vowels is uniform. The text given in the example 3 above implements this suggestion. 23.9. People can use the minimized alphabet or the full alphabet according to their need and choice. Conjunct consonants are to be avoided even when full alphabet is used. Software for Kannada word processing needs to provide both the options. 23.10. The Alternative 2 for the present writing system of Kannada language results in a simple and easy writing system. With only some little practice, people can feel at ease in using this writing system. 23.11. Since the number of letters is minimized, use of shift key can be avoided as far as possible and typing text in Kannada can be made easier. Software for Kannada word processing can take advantage of smaller size of the minimized alphabet and make its use simpler and faster.
23.11.1.

This remark is specific to Baraha software, which is one of the popular Kannada word processing software. When writing using Baraha software, frequent use of shift key for long vowels is completely eliminated. Typing using Baraha software becomes
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simpler. If diacritic is made available as lower case sign and putting dot over the consonant is also provided, preferably in lower case, in all Baraha Kannada fonts, it would be very good. Typing of consonants without vowel is to be made simple. The software should render all the consonants of a syllable except the last consonant as dead consonants and use of additional keys to perform this function is better avoided. People willing to use the Reformation Alternative 2 will appreciate such a version of transliteration.

Arguments Against Reformations of Kannada Writing System

24.There are arguments against reformations of writing system of Kannada language. Points against reformations can be summed up as follows: 24.1. People are managing with the existing system. Why are reformations necessary? 24.2. Reformations create confusion and therefore let there be no reformations. 24.3. Beauty and elite status of Kannada language will be affected.

24.4. Use of computers makes the work of composing text for printing very simple and therefore there is no need for any reformations. 24.5. People will not be receptive to any reformations.

Deliberations on the objections against reformation of writing system of Kannada language

25.Kannada script has undergone many reformations over centuries. Reformation to Kannada script is not new. Kannada is a living language and is receptive to changes. Objections mentioned above can be analyzed now: 25.1. People using the existing writing system of Kannada language are bearing with imperfections passed on to them by earlier
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generations. The fact that people are using a writing system from a long time should not prohibit any reformations. If the reformed system encourages more people to use it comfortably, then such reformations should be welcome. 25.2. If a reformation results in a simpler and easier writing system and in lesser processing by brain, how can such a system be confusing. It is true that people using the current writing system may feel some discomfort in the beginning. However it will be comfortable afterwards. 25.2.1. When metric system was introduced in India, some fears over the people accepting it were expressed. People in India are now comfortable with metric system. Metric system of weights and measures was introduced in place of the earlier British system. Earlier, system of money in India was Rupee, Anna and Paisa. Now people feel very comfortable in using the present system of money: Rupees and Paisa which is based on metric system. People accepted them since the new systems were simpler and resulted in more comfort and ease in usage. 25.2.2. If there are any genuine confusing factors in reformations, such factors should be taken care of and remedial actions to be taken without exception. 25.3. The shapes of the graphemes and diacritics of the present Kannada writing system are not altered. General appearance of the text is almost the same. 25.3.1. Sanskrit is an elite language and is not so simple. Its usage was limited only to a few elite people. The language lost its popularity and is now almost out of general usage. Universal acceptance owing to simplicity is to be preferred. Language should be very simple for almost everyone to use it; only then, the language becomes popular. 25.3.2. Let us consider a simple algebraic equation: A + B = C. Elementary school children are taught that A, B and C are integers, that too positive integers. A little later they are introduced to real numbers that have decimal or fractional
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portion. In higher educational institutions, students learn that A, B and C can represent complex numbers, vectors, matrices and tensors. People, who pass out of elementary school and lead their life with various vocations, use only integers and real numbers; there is no need for them to go beyond that complexity. Similarly two version of writing system can be used: simple version with the minimized alphabet and another version with full alphabet of the present Kannada alphabet including some letters like , . Since the minimized alphabet is a subset of the full alphabet, there will not be any conflict in usage. 25.3.3. If people are presented with a simpler version of the alphabet and easier writing system, it is sufficient for them. They should be able to use it in their life. Those who go beyond this level can use an elite version with all the letters of the present alphabet including even some letters of Old Kannada, richer vocabulary, etc. Everyone in Kannada world should have the choice of using whatever writing system is convenient to him provided it serves his purpose well. Kannada language grows when it reaches everyone in Kannada world and when more and more people use it easily. Looking down upon a simplified version of writing system is not a sign of a civilized society. 25.4. Use of computers in Kannada needs to be encouraged. At present computers are used mainly for word processing and DTP. Newspaper industries are using these facilities and their work is streamlined. 25.4.1. Reformations in writing system suggested are for a different aspect altogether. Aim of the reformations shall be to make Kannada simpler to read and write; and everyone should be able to use it comfortably. 25.4.2. Huge Database covering almost every field in Kannada world is necessary. As much information as possible should be put into computer database and anyone interested in searching for some information in Kannada should be able to find it. Use of computers in as many fields of Kannada world as possible is desirable. Converting spoken words to written text, reading

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printed text in Kannada and many such services are to be developed. OCR programs are to be prepared for general use of Kannada. Online services should be made available in Kannada. More Software to meet needs of Government Departments, Kannada institutions, industries is to be developed. The reformed writing system and use of computers are to be symbiotic in their functions. 25.5. Usually people shy away from using something new or something different. Once they get acquainted with the new system, they will be receptive to use it. Decimal system of measurement and currency in India are good examples of people accepting and using them. 25.5.1. Kannada institutions, Kannada organizations, Newspaper and TV media and Government can popularize the reformed writing system when they are convinced of its benefits. Kannada Sahitya Parishath has made proposals for reformation of Kannada writing system as far back as 1936. Many scholars have also made suggestions for reformation of Kannada writing system. No progress is made in this direction. Making reformed writing system popular is an enormous task requiring involvement of a lot of dedicated people interested in Kannada language and its development.

In Conclusion
26.As per the deliberations made above, it is desirable to reform the present writing system of Kannada language. The Alternative 2 presented above can be considered. Kannada writing system is to be made simpler, easier and more popular. Everyone in Kannada world and any person interested in learning Kannada as a second language should feel comfortable and confident in using reformed writing of Kannada language.

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Bibliography
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9) A font and size-independent OCR system for printed Kannada documents using support vector machines, T V ASHWIN and P S SASTRY, Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India 10) OCR for printed Kannada text to Machine editable format using Database approach B.M. SAGAR , Dr. Shobha G, Dr. Ramakanth Kumar P, sagar.bm@gmail.com, shobhatilar@rediffmail.com, pramakanth_2000@yahoo.com A Novel Approach to Develop Speech Database for Kannada Text-toSpeech System, D.J.Ravi1 and Sudarshan Patilkulkarni, Research Scholar, JSS Research Foundation, Department of Electronics and Communication, Mysore, India. ravidi.uvce@gmail.com 11) , Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication, SJ College of Engg., Mysore, India, pk.sudarshan @gmail.com 12) Pq gPgt: MAz , an article by Prof. Chandrasehakara Patil about simplification of Kannada script published in Vijaya Karnataka Kannada daily dated 8th June, 2011.

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