Are you finding it difficult to find an excellent place to study and learn Tamil? Worry no more. We’ve listed the best learning apps, especially since there’s no Tamil on Babbel! Let’s begin!
With the world going digital and people relying on technology for everything, learning a language online has become the new trend. The convenience of learning at your own pace, in your comfort zone, and without the hassle of commuting makes online learning the preferred choice for many. Being one of the most popular applications, I totally understand that you’ve set your eyes on Babbel first, but I have some news for you, my friend: There is no Tamil on Babbel (ohhhhhhhhh!).
But worry not! This is why we’ve curated this list of the best apps to learn Tamil, to make your language-learning journey as fun and effortless as possible. So sit back, grab your phone or tablet, and let’s start exploring the world of Tamil!
Learning Tamil is more than memorizing words
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About The Tamil Language

Alright, buckle up, folks! Before we dive into the world of spoken Tamil, let’s take a moment to understand what we’re getting into. Tamil, the sweet and spicy language of South India, is a treat for the ears and a feast for the mind. It’s a language steeped in rich culture, history, and traditions, making it an integral part of India’s linguistic landscape. It is spoken by over 86 million people globally, so you can predict this language’s power and legacy.
- This ancient language has been around for over 2,000 years and boasts a rich literary heritage, with many poems, songs, and dramas written in Tamil.
- It is widely spoken in Tamil Nadu, and it is one of the official languages of Sri Lanka and the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Whether you’re traveling to these regions or want to connect with the Tamil community, learning this language will open up a world of new opportunities and experiences.
The Beauty Of Tamil Script
The Tamil script, also known as the Tamil alphabet, is an integral part of the Tamil language and culture. It is a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, and functional script, making it a delight for the eyes and the mind.
- The Tamil script has a rich history, with evidence of its use dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
- Over the centuries, it has evolved into the script that we know today, with its distinct shapes and curves.
- The script consists of 247 characters, including vowels, consonants, and diacritical marks, each of which has a unique sound and significance.
- One of the unique features of the Tamil script is its use of ‘pulli’ or dots above and below the letters to indicate different sounds. These dots, also known as vowel signs, are used to modify the primary form of the letters and add to the rich and complex nature of the script.

No Tamil On Babbel? 4 Alternatives For You
Ok, let’s get down to what we’re here for. You have decided to learn Tamil (as you should be) and are looking for a good app and Tamil courses that can be your partner during this endeavor. Look at these four language learning apps and choose the one that best suits your needs!
Happy learning! Or as said in Tamil மகிழ்ச்சியான கற்றல்! (Makiḻcciyāṉa kaṟṟal!)
17 Minute Languages
One of the great choices to learn Tamil is the 17 Minute Languages’ Basic Tamil course. So, what makes 17 Minute Language so unique?
- Its lessons are short and sweet, taking just 17 minutes a day.
- It contains a vocabulary trainer for basic Tamil (1300 words), so you can build a working vocabulary with a few weeks of steady practice.
- The app also uses a unique approach to vocabulary training with a long-term memory method, in which the new vocabulary is checked at increasing intervals.
- It uses artificial intelligence to adapt to your learning style and pace, ensuring you get the most out of each lesson.
- With its gamified quizzes and tests, you can track your progress and see how much you’ve learned.
Memrise
Memrise uses a combination of flashcards, videos, and other interactive elements to help you build your basic vocabulary and grasp the fundamentals of the Tamil language, alongside a wide range of other languages in their offer range.
- One of the standout features of Memrise is its massive library of user-generated content, with thousands of lessons and exercises created by other language learners.
- Its interactive features, such as audio and video lessons, let you hear and see the language in action, making it easier to pick up the nuances and sounds of Tamil.
- The user-generated tips and mnemonics are very helpful in memorizing new terms and expressions.
Blue Bird Tamil App
The Bluebird App offers 146 sources and 163 target languages and dialects, including Tamil.
- From audio and video lessons (more than 500 video lessons varying from 5 to 60 minutes) to interactive exercises and activities, you’ll have everything you need to become a confident speaker of Tamil.
- With its community of language learners, you’ll have a supportive network to help you along the way.
- One of the characteristic features of this app is that it doesn’t have Tamil grammar lessons. Instead, you are supposed to understand the grammar “implicitly” from real-life examples.
Ling App
Ready to learn Tamil online with ease? Then it’s time to try Ling! This language learning app offers an effortless and enjoyable way to master the language, no matter your experience level.
- The Ling app boasts a user-friendly interface that makes learning the Tamil language fun and engaging.
- With its bite-sized lessons, you can learn at your own pace and focus on what you need to know to achieve your goals.
- Its gamified approach keeps you motivated and on track to becoming a confident speaker of Tamil.
- The Ling team works with Tamil speakers to create relevant and accurate content for your language learning journey.
- You follow the lesson sequence and complete various interactive exercises, ranging from audio lessons to grammar tips to conversation practice with Dialog.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Tamil On Babbel?
No. Babbel does not offer a Tamil course, so you will need a different app to learn Tamil. This post compares four alternatives that do teach it.
What Is The Best App To Learn Tamil?
The Ling app is the best all-around choice for learning Tamil. It offers bite-sized lessons, a gamified approach, content created with Tamil speakers, and interactive exercises ranging from audio lessons to grammar tips to conversation practice with Dialog.
How Many People Speak Tamil?
Tamil is spoken by over 86 million people globally. It is widely spoken in Tamil Nadu, and it is one of the official languages of Sri Lanka and the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry.
How Many Characters Are In The Tamil Script?
The Tamil script consists of 247 characters, including vowels, consonants, and diacritical marks, each of which has a unique sound and significance. Evidence of the script’s use dates back to the 3rd century BCE.
Over To You!
In conclusion, learning Tamil can be an enriching experience that opens up new cultural and linguistic horizons. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills, a variety of language-learning apps can help you achieve your goals. Among them, the Ling app stands out as a comprehensive and user-friendly option that covers all aspects of Tamil language learning.
With its interactive exercises, clear explanations, and engaging content, the Ling app makes it easy and enjoyable to learn Tamil at your own pace. So if you’re ready to start learning the Tamil language, give the Ling app a try!