Weight of the loadTo be a modern speaker of a language like Malayalam is to carry a load that is ancient and expansive. Malayalam was formed at the meeting point of two distinct lineages: the ancient, earthy, civilisational Tamil base and the high, cerebral Sanskrit canopy. The local tongue provided structure and intimacy while Sanskrit provided reach and resonance. The Sanskrit or Persian load provides harmony – the reach toward historical encounters that are embedded in our human experience. Let us therefore resist the exorcism of influence and reject the fear that hybridity weakens us.