This lesson deals with the differentials which separate the functions performed by nouns. There are eight such differentials (வேற்றுமை) in Tamil. The first four வேற்றுமைகள் and their indicators and meanings are illustrated here.

One can therefore learn the grammar of வேற்றுமை in this lesson. In each வேற்றுமை the subject noun is inflected to indicate the difference in the functions of a noun. There are specific inflectional endings which are equivalent to English propositions. They also accommodate the function of, word order in English language. That is to say that the importance of word order in English sentences is expressed by the inflections in Tamil nouns when they occur in sentences.

The first differential (முதலாம் வேற்றுமை) performs the function
of the subject in the sentence. There is no special inflection in the noun here.

The second differential (இரண்டாம் வேற்றுமை) is expressed by the inflection ending. ஐ in Tamil nouns. Such nouns are object in the sentence concerned.

The third differential is indicated by the ending ‘ஆல்’ in Tamil nouns. In such positions the noun is an instrument for the action expressed in the verb of the same sentence.

The fourth differential கு is equivalent to English prepositions ‘to’. and ‘for’. The noun in this context performs the function of receiver or assignee.

The fifth differential இன் indicates the meaning of removal more or less equivalent to English ‘from’.

The sixth one is அது meaning ‘of’ or ‘relating to’ in English.

The seventh differential is expressed by the inflection ‘கண்’ meaning ‘in’ or’ ‘within’ in English.

The eighth differential is ‘ஏ’ in written form or rising tune in spoken Tamil. The function is to call the person or object represented in the noun used.

In this lesson, the first four items are treated with descriptive illustrations. Nominal, verbal or interrogative words end a sentence. The action in such sentences is the first differential. The noun used in this context is not at all inflected. The second differential ‘ஐ’ as the object performs six functions like creation. destruction. reach. omission. comparison and owning.

The third differential is indicated by the endings ஆல், ஆன்,ஒடு,ஓடு while ஆல் and ஆன் are instrumental (with) ஒடு and ஓடு are coaxial as in ‘along’.

The fourth differential ‘கு’ refers to acceptance.

Thus you will be familiar with the first four differentials
(வேற்றுமைகள்) in this lesson. This enables you to place nouns in one or other positions in a sentence.

முன்