Languages and Literature of State | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

Introduction

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, boasts a diverse linguistic landscape with Tamil as its primary language. Tamil is not only the official language of the state but also holds a significant place in the cultural and historical context of India. This guide explores the various languages, dialects, and nuances of Tamil spoken in Tamil Nadu, offering a comprehensive understanding of the region's linguistic diversity.

Languages of Tamil Nadu

Tamil

• Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu and is one of the 18 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is recognized for its classical status, boasting a rich literary tradition. Tamil is extensively spoken within the state and is also prevalent in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Mauritius, and Malaysia.
• The Tamil script, derived from the southern Brahmi script, is unique in its phonetic nature, where letters correspond to sounds rather than ideas, unlike the Chinese Mandarin script.

Other Languages

• Telugu: Spoken by approximately 9% of the population, primarily in the northern and central regions of Tamil Nadu.
• Kannada: Spoken by about 2.68% of the population, particularly in the areas bordering Karnataka.
• Urdu: Spoken by about 1.51% of the population.
• Malayalam: Spoken by around 0.89% of the population, with greater influence in the western regions of Tamil Nadu.
• English: Used as a secondary language in various contexts, including education and business.

Dialects of Tamil

• Arabic Tamil (Arwi): A dialect influenced by Arabic, using an extended Arabic alphabet. It incorporates many Arabic lexical and phonetic elements.
• Brahmin Tamil: Spoken by Tamil Brahmin communities, this dialect includes several closely related variations.
• Central Tamil: Known for its purity and considered a standard form of Tamil, this dialect is spoken in Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. It is a basis for formal spoken Tamil.
• Iyengar Tamil: This dialect is a blend of Kannada and Tamil, spoken mainly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Junoon Tamil: A dialect that incorporates Hindi grammar, originating from the dubbed Hindi drama 'Junoon' in Tamil.
• Kongu Tamil: Spoken by the Gounder community in Coimbatore, Tirupur, Salem, Karur, and Erode.
• Madrasi Tamil: Also known as Madras Bashai, this is a colloquial blend of Tamil and English, with influences from Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Urdu.
• Madurai Tamil: Spoken in Madurai and surrounding areas of southern Tamil Nadu. It differs notably from Nellai Tamil.
• Malayalam Tamil: Spoken by Malayalees in Tamil Nadu, this dialect has similarities to Sri Lankan Tamil and a distinct Malayalam accent.
• Nellai Tamil: Also known as Tirunelveli Tamil, this dialect is spoken in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts and is part of the historical Pandiya kingdom's region.
• Sankethi: A Tamil dialect spoken by the Sankethi Brahmin community. Though historically linked with Kannada, it is now recognized as a distinct language.
• Sri Lankan Tamil (Ealam Tamil): Known for its purity and resemblance to Old Tamil, this dialect is spoken by Sri Lankan Tamils and has an accent similar to Malayalam.
• Tanglish: A blend of Tamil and English, commonly used in metropolitan areas. It includes many English loanwords and is often spoken in casual settings.

Spoken Tamil vs. Written Tamil

• Spoken Tamil: Characterized by heavy nasalization and colloquial shortening of long words. For instance, "He comes" is formally "varugirán" but colloquially shortened to "varán."
• Written Tamil: Formal Tamil, used in writing, is more standardized and does not reflect the colloquial phonetic changes. This form is utilized in official documents, news reports, and formal communications.