* Lack of Written Records: Both languages have relatively late written records, meaning we don't have ancient texts to trace their origins back to a specific point in time.
* Shared Origins: Tulu and Malayalam are both Dravidian languages, meaning they descend from a common ancestor. This ancestor likely predates the emergence of either language as we know them today.
However, we can make some educated guesses based on available information:
* Linguistic Features: Tulu exhibits more archaic features than Malayalam. This suggests it may have retained some features of the ancestral Dravidian language that Malayalam has lost or evolved.
* Geographic Spread: Tulu is spoken in a smaller, more geographically concentrated area than Malayalam. This could indicate a more recent migration for Malayalam speakers, potentially pushing the origins of Malayalam a bit later.
Ultimately, it's impossible to say for certain which language is older. Both Tulu and Malayalam have rich and fascinating histories, and both languages have played a significant role in shaping their respective cultures and regions.