Tamil Language

Tamil, one of the classical languages and popularly known among the linguistic scholars and researchers, as one of the oldest languages derived its root from many centuries old grammar and literature. Tamil, as a language originated and developed from southern part of Indian subcontinent (Tamil Nadu and Eelam), and spoken for many centuries in Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, few centuries relationship with Burma, French Guyana. In this modern world, Tamil people have their settlements in more than 175 countries still speaking Tamil as their mother tongue.

Out of 100,000 stone inscriptions found in India, more than 60,000 are found in Tamil Nadu, 95% of which are related to tamil history and languages.

Tamil Scholars and researchers classifying historical period of tamil language into following categories:

1) Sangam period (400 BC- 300 AD)

2) Post sangam period (300AD-700AD)

3) Devotional (Bhakthi) movement period (700AD – 1200AD)

4) Medieval period (1200AD – 1800AD)

5) Present (1800AD till now)

Official Language Status:

Tamil was recognized as a classical language by the Government of India and it is the first recognized classical language in India. Tamil holds official language status in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry of India Union, and in addition, Tamil is one among the 22 languages within 8th Schedule of Indian Union Constitution. Tamil is spoken by significant minorities in the four other South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  One of the three official languages in Srilanka, one of the four official languages in Singapore. In Malaysia, Tamil is taught from primary school to University level. Many Universities in globally holds Tamil department separately or through South Asian/Indian language sections.