Did you know that Tamil script or தமிழ் எழுத்து (Tamiḻ eḻuttu) is mostly from Brahmi script? Actually, Tamil Brahmi is its variant and was used as the early inscription for Old Tamil script. In fact, the Tamil language is one of the longest surviving classical languages, and the Tamil writing script made of Tamil calendrical symbols is composed of 12 vowels, 18 consonants, and one special letter – all of which we will look at today!
The Tamil language holds the distinction of being one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. It’s a testament to the rich heritage and cultural significance of Tamil-speaking communities. And when it comes to writing, the Tamil script is a work of art. It comprises 12 vowels or soul letters (உயிரெழுத்துக்கள் Uyireḻuttukkaḷ), 18 consonants ( மெய் எழுத்துக்கள் Mey eḻuttukkaḷ), and a special letter, all beautifully crafted using Tamil calendrical symbols.
Today, we’re going to delve into the wonders of the Tamil script. We’ll explore its intricate characters, discover the unique sounds they represent, and unravel the beauty of Tamil writing.
Tamil Writing In Other Countries
The beauty of Tamil writing extends beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. While it is primarily used in these regions, Tamil-speaking communities across the globe embrace the Tamil script. You can find its presence in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and even as far as Canada and various parts of Europe.
In India, Tamil holds a special place as it is the official language in Tamil Nadu and in the union territories of Puducherry, the Andaman, and Nicobar Islands. It’s worth noting that Tamil is recognized as one of the ‘scheduled languages’ in the Constitution of India, emphasizing its significance and cultural importance.
So, whether you’re exploring the vibrant Tamil communities in Sri Lanka or immersing yourself in the diverse diaspora scattered across different countries, the Tamil script unites people and preserves the rich heritage of this ancient language. Its influence and reach are truly awe-inspiring!
Writing Tamil Script
The Tamil script is written from left to right. Consonants and vowels are written as separate characters, but vowels can also be combined with consonants to form compound characters.
In Tamil writing, there are several diacritical marks used to modify the inherent vowel sound of a consonant. These marks include the புள்ளி Puḷḷi (a dot above the consonant), மாட்டாரா Mātāra (a short horizontal line above the consonant), and உருட்டி Uṟuṭṭi (a short diagonal line above the consonant).
When a consonant is followed by a vowel, the vowel sound is written using a separate character or a diacritical mark. Another point to note – certain characters may have different forms depending on their position within a word.
Ways To Make Tamil Writing Easy
- Address each of the vowel-consonant combinations according to their lines or வரிசை Varisi.
- All consonants can be identified with their dot on top; you do not need to add the dot when it is combined with a vowel.
- The vowel markers in Tamil are
- It is absolutely understandable if 247 letters are complicated to remember, so try out this video to help with the learning.
- A lot of the combinations will need memorizing and practice – embracing this truth really helps in learning to write Tamil.
Check out our catch on the Tamil alphabet to help support your writing journey.
Popular Tamil Fonts For Tamil Writing
There are many popular Tamil fonts, including Latha, Bamini, and Tamil Unicode. These fonts can be used to write Tamil text in digital formats such as word processors and web pages. One such Tamil typing tool is here. It is an online Tamil typing tool that works best on your desktop.
Tamil keyboard can also be found on the App Store or Google Play Store too for your mobile devices. Sometimes, you may have to download Tamil text by changing the typing language settings on your phone, and you wouldn’t need to have a separate app for Tamil typing.
For fast and accurate typing by those who can speak Tamil but struggle with Tamil typing, you can try easy Tamil typing at this link. Simply type the words in English as they are pronounced, hit the space bar, and viola! It’s Tamil typing in its perfection.
Learn Tamil With Ling
Get ready to unlock the full potential of your Tamil writing skills with an incredible tool – the Ling app! This language learning app is your key to mastering Tamil and 60+ other languages, with dedicated courses that cover everything, including the art of Tamil writing. With Ling, you’ll dive into immersive lessons specifically designed to help you practice writing Tamil characters, words, phrases, and even complete sentences. The app goes the extra mile by providing instant feedback on your writing, empowering you to refine your Tamil writing skills with ease.
To ensure accurate pronunciation, Ling offers audio guidance for each Tamil character. You’ll learn how to articulate every letter and word correctly, building a strong foundation in spoken Tamil alongside your writing practice.
But that’s not all – Ling takes learning to the next level! It allows you to track your progress effortlessly. With this feature, you can monitor your advancements, celebrate milestones, and witness how far you’ve come on your Tamil writing journey. It’s the perfect motivator to keep practicing and achieving your language learning goals.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a transformative Tamil writing adventure, don’t wait any longer. Download the app today from App Store or Google Play Store and start Tamil writing like a pro!
