Languages

The state of Tamil Nadu boasts of its historical, cultural and also linguistic tradition. Tamil is the official language and English is one of the most widely spoken Languages in Tamil Nadu. Other languages that are in practice are Telegu, Kannada, Urdu and Malayalam. Being one of the classical languages of the world, Tamil is mother of several other southern languages. Like Sanskrit, Tamil is one of the ancient languages in India. Malayam is mostly spoken in the western part of the state whereas in the north east, Kannada is quite popular.

Tamil is one of the eighteen national languages that have earned a place in the eighth schedule of the Indian constitution. Alphabets of Tamil language represents sound rather than ideas. This feature can be compared to the Mandarin language of China. Apart from Tamil Nadu, the beautiful language is also spoken in the other states and also by a number of people in Singapore, Srilanka, Mauritius and Malaysia. The Tamil language boasts of excellent literary works of past and present. The Tamil literature carries an envious tradition of more than two thousand years. Two of the finest literary works on Tamil are the poetries - Manathi Uruthi Vendum and Yaathum Oore Yaavarum Kelir.

Some useful Tamil phrases which will help a visitor to communicate while his tour in Tamil Nadu are:

• Alo – Hi
• Maalai Vanakkam – Good Evening
• Kaalai Vanakkam – Good Morning
• Romba Nandri – Thank you
• Vaazhga – Welcome
• Sari – Good, its all right
• Iravu Vanakkam – Good night

Last Updated on 1/17/2011