Embracing Tamil: Understanding and Preserving a Rich Cultural Heritage

Do we really love Tamil? The answer is yes, but often our appreciation is an idealisation of what we believe it to be. This essay explores the challenges facing the Tamil language, cultural identity, and the importance of preserving our heritage while adapting to the modern world.

Colonialism and Its Impact

The path of English as the most successful language in the world is a testament to its adaptability and ability to borrow from other languages while maintaining its structure. This is a lesson that other languages, including Tamil, could benefit from. The adoption of English words and phrases has been a widespread practice, with more people preferring to use borrowed terms rather than creating new, culturally rooted ones. This poses a challenge for maintaining the purity of a language, but it also highlights the adaptability and resilience required for any language to thrive.

Historical Context and Identity

Tamil has faced significant challenges due to colonialism, particularly the long period of British rule that dismantled community-based educational systems. As a result, much of our understanding of Tamil culture and history is often filtered through the perspective of Westerners. This has led to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, such as the Aryan-Dravidian race schism, which is more an ethno-linguistic indicator rather than a racial distinction.

The influence of colonialism extends beyond language to the way we perceive our own heritage. Anti-Hinduism propagated by groups like the Kazhagams has caused generations to either ignore or despise the rich literary and cultural traditions that predate the colonial period. This misinterpretation of history has led to a fragmented and incomplete understanding of Tamil culture.

Modern Challenges to Cultural Identity

Mere survival has been a challenge for many, especially in the post-colonial era. The economic necessity to learn English for job opportunities has led to a gradual erosion of Tamil language skills, from grammar to conversation. This shift has not been without resistance, as evidenced by parents who insist on speaking Tamil with their children. However, the institutional and societal shifts towards English have exacerbated this erosion.

The Need for Cultural Revival

Cultural revival efforts are crucial for preserving Tamil heritage. Figures like Bharathi and Kannadasan are celebrated for their contributions, but their works are often overshadowed by a narrow focus on the Sangam period. The Tamil literary canon is broader and richer than what is commonly understood. Works by authors like Arunachal Kavi, Muthuthandavar, Marimutha Pillai, and others deserve more recognition.

Language and Cultural Preservation

The solution lies in a balance between preservation and modern adaptation. While we must honor and study our cultural roots, we also need to be open to new ideas and adaptations. This includes coining new words and integrating English linguistic structures into Tamil, with a focus on creating culturally rooted extensions of vocabulary. The Dravidian separatist movement, while well-intentioned, often fails to produce significant literary contributions, instead appropriating or misrepresenting historical figures and works.

Tamil cannot be separated from its spiritual and religious roots. The Bhakti movement, which has been central to Tamil culture for centuries, continues to inspire and shape the language and literature. Reviving this Bhakti can help rekindle a deep appreciation for Tamil language and culture.

As we move forward, let us strive to preserve and enrich our cultural heritage. Let the Bhakti spirits resurge, and let us celebrate the rich tapestry of Tamil language and culture.

Remember the Dravida Sisu, the Brahmin from Seerkaazhi, who was nourished by the Jagannath Temple herself. He sings to Lord Shiva, saying:

Let that Bhakti reflower.

Together, we can ensure that Tamil continues to flourish and inspire future generations.