தமிழா? சம்ஸ்கிருதமா?

A must read book who wants to understand about tamil language without a bias and based on scientific findings. Thanks to author Dr. KRS. Expecting a many more books from u. நனி நன்றி.

Some interesting and sensitive questions are posed to Kannabiran Ravisankar, who is a scholar in both Tamil and Sanskrit. Kannabiran Ravisankar answers the questions with clear scholarly thoughts and in simple way. I really loved the answers to many of the questions (there are around 35 questions and answers). There are repetitions. That could not be avoided as there are related questions. That is the only flaw that one can think of. Some of the interesting answers: Which is the oldest language, Tamil or Sanskrit? Are there proofs? He answers: There are Anecdotal Evidences and Empirical Evidences. in a scientific study the Empirical Evidences take precedence. Accordingly Tamil has got more empirical evidences in the form of Earliest Written Accounts and they date many centuries before the empirical evidences for Sanskrit. For instance, the first ever Written Accounts for Sanskrit that we have dates to 1st Century BCE. But for Tamil, the Earliest Written Accounts using the Tamil native script dates to 6th Century BCE. Very interesting. Another Question about Sanskrit words entering Tamil and in general about any language words entering Tamil (Mozhikkalappu). This is unavoidable. It is bound to happen when two languages meet in trade or in any other circumstances. The lending and borrowing of words is common. When it is done in this manner it is not bad at all. In fact, it enhances a language. But when a language is forced on a people using the political and religious authority, like Sanskrit, it is not good for the language at all. Kannabiran states that hardly 2% words have come to Tamil form other languages other than Sanskrit (Like Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, etc.). But from Sanskrit there are 25% words. This is unacceptable and can harm the native language. Such efforts are to be identified and sufficient action should be taken to rid of Tamil from such parasites. Another question about the uniqueness of Tamil Grammar: Tamil is the only language that has grammar for People's Life as well (Porulathikaaram). Tamil life itself was organized in the Grammar (the division of Tamil lands into 5 Thinais, their corresponding karupporul and uripporul). There are many more interesting questions and interesting answers. Do check the book out.