Why I Love the Tamil Language Despite Initial Misgivings
When I first encountered the Tamil language, my opinion was far from positive. I preferred the English language over Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil. I even went as far as describing Tamil as unappealing, with its alphabet including characters that, in my opinion, bear an uncanny resemblance to dog droppings.
The Evolution and Richness of Tamil
However, as I delved deeper into the Tamil language, my perspective began to change dramatically. The Tamil language is a product of several thousand years of evolution, consistently adapting to meet the modern-day requirements. This constant reinvigoration enables the language to generate new words with ease, without relying on other languages. Unlike English, which may borrow extensively from other languages, Tamil has an intrinsic richness and stability that allows for innovation and creativity.
Furthermore, Tamil is a classical language, known as Thamizh mozhi. It boasts an extensive and varied vocabulary, given that it has a significantly higher number of letters compared to many other languages. When pronounced correctly, it resonates beautifully, enhancing conversations and literary works. The dialects and words in Tamil can be exceptionally flexible, with the same word often carrying multiple meanings, thereby making the language more poetic and expressive.
Historical Significance and Grammar
One of the most compelling aspects of the Tamil language is its ancient tradition and grammar, as attributed to Tholkappiar rather than modern grammarians. Tholkappiar's contributions to the language's grammar have stood the test of time, making Tamil a unique linguistic entity. In contrast, English grammar, often attributed to modern scholars, can sometimes sound disconnected from the spoken language.
For Tamil speakers, their language is integral to their identity, serving as a bridge to their heritage and a means of expressing themselves in a unique and beautiful way. With over a billion Tamil speakers globally, the language's vitality is not dependent on government funding or external support, but rather on the active usage and contribution of its speakers.
Personal Connection and Modern Usage
Personally, I find Tamil language deeply meaningful. It connects me to my husband's family and the Tamil community, allowing me to feel a sense of belonging and a rich cultural heritage. Moreover, the phonetic nature of Tamil, with characters that typically match their sounds, adds a unique charm to the language. This phonetic quality also makes it a delightful language for operatic performances, in contrast to the more rigidity of English.
Efforts to promote Tamil should not be limited to just speaking it at home or in the office. Advocacy through education, public speeches, and community engagement is crucial. Tamilians should take it upon themselves to teach Tamil to the world, contributing to its global recognition and appreciation. This promotion of Tamil is more than just a duty; it's a part of our identity and our responsibility to our family and nation.
So, while initial misgivings led me to prefer other languages, the depth, beauty, and historical significance of Tamil have converted me into a passionate advocate for the language. Whether through personal connection, historical significance, or simple enjoyment, Tamil remains a vibrant and integral part of my life.