Capturing the life and legacy of Ferdinand Kittel

A new documentary on a German missionary captures his pivotal role in building a linguistic bridge to Kannada, writes Divyashri Mudakavi

Picture this: Looking out at the snowy winters of Germany from his window, a man in the final chapter of his life begins to revisit his journey. Although he remains invisible, the narration speaks volumes about his grit, diligence, and scholarly mission. He began as a young Protestant Christian missionary from Germany who came to India to spread the word of God. Over time, he mastered Kannada and went on to create a groundbreaking 70,000-word Kannada-English dictionary. His journey is one that deserves to be remembered and retold.

This fascinating and often forgotten tale of Reverend Ferdinand Kittel (1832–1903) — missionary, linguist, lexicographer, and author — comes alive through The Word and the Teacher, a non-fiction film directed by Mysuru-based techie-turned-filmmaker Prashant Pandit. 

With a runtime of 80 minutes, the film explores Kittel’s tireless contributions to the Kannada language, a journey spanning nearly five decades of personal and professional dedication. The film was produced in English, Kannada (Arivu Matthu Guruvu), and German (Das Wort und der Lehrer) and uncovers little-known facts about Kittel’s life. It highlights Kittel’s passion for language beyond lexicography; he was also the first person to receive a PhD in Kannada from a German university.

Kittel played a pivotal role in preserving and translating several ancient Kannada texts, many originally written on palm leaves. He also translated key Biblical texts from English to Kannada, contributing significantly to the religious and cultural fabric of India during the British era. 

“Kittel was a man of many firsts,” says Pandit. “He not only created the Kannada dictionary, but his academic legacy also includes pioneering translations and publications.” Kittel authored Kathamale, a Kannada poem, narrating the life of Jesus Christ in Bhamini Shatpadi, a specific form of Kannada poetry, characterised by a six-line structure and specific metrical patterns. He edited and published Shabdamanidarpana, an edition of Kesiraja’s work on Kannada grammar, with his own commentary, and Chandombudhi, Nagavarma’s work on Kannada prosody. 

The project involved over three years of meticulous research, including visits to Kittel’s birthplace in Germany and the university he was associated with. Unearthing details about his life in Karnataka proved particularly challenging due to the scarcity of records.

“Our research uncovered that he had originally been scheduled to travel with other missionaries to Mangaluru. However, due to illness, he was left atHonnavar port and later travelled to Dharwad as per missionary orders,” Pandit explains. 

Filmmaker Prashant Pandit (left) filming at Honnavar, where Kittel first landed in Karnataka.

Authentic retelling

Letters written by Kittel to his children in Germany, professional reports, and his literary works, many written in archaic German provided vital insights. Assistance from German scholars helped decode these documents and piece together a coherent narrative of his remarkable life.

This commitment to authenticity extended to the visual storytelling. Rather than using actors to portray Kittel, the film allows him to “narrate his own story” through his writings and a carefully crafted voice-over.

Kittel 

Filming took place in both Germany and various parts of Karnataka, including Dharwad, Mangaluru, and Madikeri, where Kittel spent much of his life. The production aimed to maintain historical accuracy. “Every element, from textiles and attire to materials like pens, tables, windmills, and candles, reflects the era with striking accuracy,” says Bennet Amanna, a retired archivist from Mangaluru. “It truly feels like being transported back in time.”

The Word and the Teacher is screened by invitation. The team collaborates with film clubs and cultural organisations to ensure the story reaches viewers who will value it.

Chidanand Chandrashekharaiah, a scientist and film enthusiast from Bengaluru, commends the project for its thorough research and sensitivity. “Kittel worked beyond boundaries —  language, culture, and religion — and that story is incredibly important. The film does an excellent job of showing the evolution of language through his legacy,” he says.

In the end, The Word and the Teacher is not just a tribute to a missionary who contributed to building modern Kannada, it is a powerful reminder of how language can bridge cultures and break down barriers.