Podcast
Questions and Answers
How many major traditional Indian scripts does Tamil represent?
How many major traditional Indian scripts does Tamil represent?
Which script used by early Tamils from about 1400 BC until about AD 800 is known for its elegance?
Which script used by early Tamils from about 1400 BC until about AD 800 is known for its elegance?
How many dialects of Tamil are mentioned in the text?
How many dialects of Tamil are mentioned in the text?
How many special nasals are there in Tamil according to the text?
How many special nasals are there in Tamil according to the text?
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Which country is NOT mentioned as having a significant Tamil-speaking population in the text?
Which country is NOT mentioned as having a significant Tamil-speaking population in the text?
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Which of the following is NOT a consonant sound in the Tamil language?
Which of the following is NOT a consonant sound in the Tamil language?
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Which of the following statements about Tamil culture is INCORRECT?
Which of the following statements about Tamil culture is INCORRECT?
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Which of the following is NOT a prominent work or genre in Tamil literature?
Which of the following is NOT a prominent work or genre in Tamil literature?
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Which of the following IPA symbols represents the Tamil vowel sound in the word 'kâ'?
Which of the following IPA symbols represents the Tamil vowel sound in the word 'kâ'?
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Which of the following statements about Tamil literature is CORRECT?
Which of the following statements about Tamil literature is CORRECT?
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Study Notes
Tamil
Tamil Language
The Tamil language has more than 76 million speakers globally, with the majority living in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Germany, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Kuwait, Qatar, Maldives, and the Netherlands. It belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is the only classical language with a continuous written history over three millennia.
Tamil represents one of the eight major traditional Indian scripts. The two main versions are the Grantha script, which is commonly used in modern publications, and the highly elegant script known as the Vatteluttu, which was used by the early Tamils from about 1400 BC until about AD 800.
There are two major dialects of Tamil: Tiruchirappalli (also known as Madura) and Mananjolai. These dialects are mutually intelligible but have distinct phonetic and grammatical features.
Tamil Phonology
Tamil has approximately 18 consonants and 14 vowels. There are also six special nasals (n, m, ng, ə́m, ə́ŋ).
Consonants
| Consonant | English Name | IPA Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| க | Ka | /k/ |
| ங | Na | /ŋ/ |
| ச | Ca | /ʃ/ |
| ஹ | Ha | /h/ |
| ட | Ta | /ɖ/ |
| த | Da | /ð/ |
| ப | Pa | /p/ |
| ம | Ma | /m/ |
| ய | Ya | /j/ |
| ர | Ra | /ɾ/ |
| ல | La | /l/ |
| வ | Va | /ʋ/ |
| ற | Ra | /ɻ/ |
| ள | La | /ɬ/ |
| ழ | Za | /ʒ/ |
Vowels
| Vowel | English Name | IPA Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| அ | A | /a/ |
| ஆ | Â | /ɑ/ |
| இ | I | /i/ |
| ஈ | Ï | /ɪ/ |
| உ | U | /u/ |
| ஊ | Û | /ʊ/ |
| எ | E | /e/ |
| ஏ | Ê | /ɛ/ |
| ஒ | O | /o/ |
| ஓ | Ô | /ɔ/ |
| கா | Kâ | /kɔ/ |
| கும் | Kum | /kʊm/ |
| கூ | Kau | /kɔw/ |
| ங் | Ng | /ŋɔw/ |
| ஞ் | Ñ | /ɲ/ |
Tamil Culture
Tamil culture is rich and diverse, with a long history that spans over 2,500 years. The Tamil people have a unique way of life that is deeply connected to their land and traditions. They have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, music, dance, art, and medicine.
Religion
The religions practiced by the Tamil people include Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Temples, mosques, churches, and other religious sites are an integral part of Tamil culture.
Food
Tamil cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and diverse dishes. Some popular foods include idli, dosa, vadai, paniyaram, samba rice, rasam, curries, porridge, coconut chutney, and sweet desserts like payasam.
Art & Architecture
Tamil art reflects the cultural heritage of the region. It includes various forms like painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and architecture. Tamil temples, for example, showcase intricate carvings and beautiful murals.
Festivals
Tamil people celebrate numerous festivals throughout the year, many of which are tied to agriculture and are dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Some prominent festivals include Thai Pongal, Makara Sankranti, Aadi Perukku, Avani Moolam, Karva Chauth, Diwali, Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, and Vaisakhi.
Tamil Literature
The literature of Tamil is one of the oldest living literary cultures in the world. It has evolved over three millennia and covers a wide range of genres including poetry, drama, and prose. The most prominent works include Thirumurais (holy books), Agam, Iraiyar, Acharam, Nedunalvadai, and many more. Some notable authors from Tamil literature include Alvar and Nayanmar, who were famous Vaishnavite poets, and Sangamauthors, whose work includes both love and war themes.
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Description
Explore the rich history, phonology, dialects, and literature of the Tamil language. Dive into the vibrant culture of the Tamil people, including their diverse traditions, religions, cuisine, art, architecture, and festivals. Discover the significant contributions of Tamil literature to the world of poetry, drama, and prose.
