Lesson 2

P20132 Resources for Word collection

    This lesson talks about the various resources
available in the Tamil language for collection and
coining of new words. It discusses the importance of
etymology or word origins in the process of solaakkam.
It shows how ancient Tamil literary texts, dictionaries,
thesauruses and journals are important resources for
solaakkam. It highlights how the various speech -
registers and dialects serve as valuable pointers in
solaakkam.

    Experts involved in the process of solaakkam
must possess an in-depth knowledge of the source
language as well as the target language. New words in
a language are generally created along the lines of the
linguistic tradition of the language or if necessary by
breaking that tradition. A new word may be created by
changing an existing word or by combining words or
reviving the old ones. An understanding of word origins,
word structure and usage is therefore essential.

    Solaakkam also requires an awareness of the
various speech-registers. Language varies depending on
the context in which it is used. It is important to
understand how a language undergoes changes
depending on the 'soozhal' or context of usage. The
language of everyday speech is not the same as the
language of science and technology. The 'soozhal' or
context of usage in Tamil may be classified as 'iyalbu
soozhal' i.e., (everyday speech), 'sirappu soozhal' (usage
relating to specific areas of specialization) and 'ariviyal
soozhal' i.e., (scientific and technical terms).

    Knowledge of grammar, parts of speech, prefixes,
suffixes, root words and inflections are indispensable in
sollaakkam.

    Ancient literary texts, lexicons,thesauruses,journals,
textbooks, encyclopedias and special dictionaries
contribute a great deal to solaakkam. The lesson
discusses in detail how each of these is a valuable
resource for the coining of new words.

    Regional dialects, dialects pertaining to specific castes, religious terms, scientific and technical jargon
and other speech - registers not only provide insights
into the art of coining words, but also prove to be rich
resources for solaakkam. Compilations of words relating
to these areas will be of tremendous help in solaakkam.

    Euphemisms i.e., (idakkaradal) and jargon i.e., (kuzhu
ukkuri) are also good resources for solaakkam.