Tamil language
History and Evolution
The Tamil language is one of the oldest classical languages in the world, with a rich history that spans over 2,000 years. It is a Dravidian language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry, as well as in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. The earliest records of Tamil date back to inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE. The language has evolved through various stages, including Old Tamil, Middle Tamil, and Modern Tamil.
Old Tamil
Old Tamil, which existed from around 300 BCE to 700 CE, is characterized by its use in Sangam literature. The Sangam period, named after the Tamil Sangams or academies, produced a vast body of poetry and prose that provides insights into the social, political, and cultural life of ancient Tamil society. Key works from this period include the "Ettuthokai" (Eight Anthologies) and the "Pathuppattu" (Ten Idylls).
Middle Tamil
Middle Tamil, spanning from 700 CE to 1600 CE, saw significant changes in grammar and phonology. This period is marked by the influence of Sanskrit on Tamil vocabulary and syntax. The Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to Hindu gods, also flourished during this time, leading to the composition of devotional hymns by poets like Appar, Sundarar, and Manikkavacakar.
Modern Tamil
Modern Tamil, which began around the 17th century, continues to evolve today. The language has undergone significant standardization, particularly during the colonial period when Tamil scholars worked to codify grammar and vocabulary. Modern Tamil literature has produced notable works in various genres, including poetry, fiction, and drama.
Linguistic Features
Phonology
Tamil phonology is characterized by a set of 12 vowels and 18 consonants. The language has a rich system of vowel length, where vowel length can change the meaning of a word. For example, "kaḷ" (கள்) means "toddy" while "kāl" (கால்) means "leg."
Morphology
Tamil is an agglutinative language, meaning that it forms words by adding suffixes to stems. This is evident in its verb conjugation and noun declension systems. For instance, the verb "pāḍu" (to sing) can be conjugated as "pāḍugirēn" (I sing), "pāḍugirāy" (you sing), and so on.
Syntax
Tamil follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order. Adjectives and relative clauses precede the nouns they modify. For example, "nāṉ pāṭṭu pāḍugiṟēṉ" translates to "I am singing a song," where "nāṉ" is the subject, "pāṭṭu" is the object, and "pāḍugiṟēṉ" is the verb.
Writing System
The Tamil script is an abugida, meaning that each consonant-vowel combination is written as a single unit. The script has 12 vowels, 18 consonants, and one special character, the āytam. The script is written from left to right and does not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters.
Dialects
Tamil has several dialects, which can be broadly categorized into regional and social dialects. Regional dialects include those spoken in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Social dialects vary based on caste, religion, and occupation. Notable dialects include the Brahmin dialect, the Chettiar dialect, and the Sri Lankan Tamil dialect.
Literature
Tamil literature is one of the oldest and richest in the world. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including poetry, prose, and drama. The literature can be divided into several periods:
Sangam Literature
Sangam literature, produced during the Sangam period, is the earliest known Tamil literature. It includes works like the "Tolkāppiyam," an ancient treatise on Tamil grammar, and the "Thirukkural," a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, and love.
Medieval Literature
Medieval Tamil literature is marked by the Bhakti movement and the composition of devotional hymns. Notable works from this period include the "Tevaram" and the "Nalayira Divya Prabandham."
Modern Literature
Modern Tamil literature has produced a wide range of works, from novels and short stories to plays and essays. Prominent modern Tamil writers include Subramania Bharati, Jayakanthan, and Ashokamitran.
Influence and Spread
Tamil has had a significant influence on other languages, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has contributed a substantial number of loanwords to languages like Sinhala, Malay, and Indonesian. Tamil is also one of the official languages of India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Cultural Significance
Tamil is not just a language but a cultural identity for millions of people. It is celebrated through various festivals, such as Pongal, and through traditional arts like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood, is a major cultural force in India and has a significant following worldwide.
See Also
References
- Chevillard, Jean-Luc. "A Bibliography of Tamil Grammars." Institut Français de Pondichéry, 1996.
- Zvelebil, Kamil. "The Smile of Murugan: On Tamil Literature of South India." Brill, 1973.
- Hart, George L. "The Poems of Ancient Tamil: Their Milieu and Their Sanskrit Counterparts." University of California Press, 1975.