Lesson 6

Lesson 6

P20136 Trends in Solaakkam

    This lesson discusses the current trends in
solaakam and explores the new directions in which it is
likely to grow in the future. The lesson examines the
views of experts on solaakkam. It analyses how words
created through solaakkam undergo changes in meaning
and usage with the passage of time. It stresses on the
need to appraise or re-examine the current efforts in
solaakkam. Finally, it highlights the importance of 2
aspects of solaakkam: viz. ‘tharapaduthuthal’ i.e.,
(selection or grading) and ‘nilaiperaakkam’ i.e., (ensuring
that a new word gains common currency).

    Some linguists see solaakkam as a means of
gaining access to the bulk of scientific and technical
knowledge available in other languages. Others point out
that there is no need for solaakkam as no serious
scientific research is undertaken in Tamil. However,
many urge that Solaakkam is indispensable as it would
lay the foundation for the growth of scientific Tamil or
‘ariviyal Tamil’ in the future. According to experts,
simplicity and clarity are 2 basic criteria for the coining
of new technical and scientific terms. Getting the idea
or content across is of utmost importance.

    Experts point out the possibility of a word born
through solaakkam undergoing changes with time. This
may happen due to linguistic, historical, sociological and
psychological factors. Changes in the meaning of a
word may also happen when a word gains international
currency. Again the need to constantly create new
words in a language and the need to renew old usages
can also effect changes in meaning.

    It is necessary to subject the efforts hitherto
undertaken in solaakkam to serious scrutiny. This will be of great help in understanding the challenges confronting
sollaakkam and in determining strategies for the future.
Over the last 150 years, more than 2 lakh words have
been coined in Tamil. Unfortunately,not all of them have
gained common currency as the efforts at solaakkam
have been inconsistent and random. Given this situation,
it is imperative to apply a proper method of selection
or grading of words. Only such a process will
ensure effective solaakkam.