The Kodava (Kannada script: ಕೊಡವ ತಕ್ಕ್ Kodava takk, meaning 'speech of Kodavas', in

the Kodava language, alternate names: Kodagu, Coorgi) is an endangered Dravidian

language and the original language of the Kodagu district in southern Karnataka,
India. The term Kodava has two related usages. Firstly, it is the name of the
Kodava language and culture followed by a number of communities from Kodagu.
Secondly, within the Kodava-speaking communities and region (Kodagu), it is a
demonym for the dominant Kodava people. Hence, the Kodava language is not only the
primary language of the Kodavas but also of many other castes and tribes in Kodagu.
The language has two dialects: Mendele (spoken in Northern and Central Kodagu, i.e.
outside Kodagu's Kiggat naadu) and Kiggat (spoken in Kiggat naadu, in Southern
Kodagu).

Historically, it has been referred to as a dialect of Kannada.[3] However it has

been re-analysed as a language by early 20th century academics.