The Tamil language is known to be one of the oldest surviving languages on earth. Here are 6 interesting lesser-known facts about this wonderful language...


1. The oldest living language


Tamil is believed to be over 2500 years old. Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions from 500 BC have been found at an archeological site in Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu. It is the oldest living language, and still spoken by over 60 million people across the globe.

2. Declared as a classical language by UNESCO


In the year 2004, UNESCO named classical languages based on antiquity, a rich and varied ancient text and original literary tradition. Tamil was the first language to be included in this category.

3. Tamil carries several meanings


Besides being the name of the language, Tamil also means beauty, sweet and natural.

4. Personified as a god


Tamil is the only language that is also personified as a god. Tamil Thai temple in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu is considered the deified personification of the Tamil language as a mother.

5. Pronounced Tamizh (Ta-mirdh) and not Tamil (Ta-mil)


Tamil is the only language which has an alphabet (ழ) to pronounce the sound 'zha'. Thus, Tamil is not pronounced as Tamil, but Tamirdh.

6. Official language in other countries


Tamil is an official language in Singapore and Sri Lanka and also recognised as a minority language in South Africa, Malaysia and Mauritius.


Sourced from: Scoopwhoop
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