A05116 Tamil Language: Research

This lesson focusses on the key areas of research in Tamil language and linguistics. Tamil language has two forms - the spoken language and the written language. While the former is simple as it is used in every day communication, the latter is complex. The grammatical and syntactical structures governing the spoken language are more deeply rooted among the people than those governing the written language. However, it must be remembered that down the ages it is the written language that is preserved.

Samples of the earliest Tamil script referred to as the Archaic Tamil Script can be found in rock inscriptions. This script was also known as the Brahmi script or the South Indian Brahmi script. Later, in the 3rd and 4th century A.D., when inscriptions were made on palm leaves the Tamil script underwent changes. Vertical and horizontal lines had to be avoided and therefore the script became more circular in shape. Hence this script came to be called Vatte Ezhuthu (Circular letters). However, around the 11th and 12th century A.D. this script was replaced by the Tamil script we are now familiar with. With the invention of the printing press this script came to stay. It should be mentioned here that Veeramamunivar and Periyar E.V.Ramasami made some changes in the script in order to simplify the printing process.

Linguistics is the science of language study. Research in Tamil linguistics is a step by step process beginning with Phonetics which is the basic study of sounds. This is followed by Phonology which is the study of the organization of speech sounds. The study of the evolution of the Tamil language from historical, sociological, political and gender perspectives are other important and expanding areas of research today.