The "Diglossia" of Tamil
Tamil is a diglossic language, meaning it has two distinct varieties used in different contexts. The spoken form (பேச்சுத் தமிழ்) varies by region and is used in everyday conversation, while the written form (எழுத்துத் தமிழ்) is standardized and used in formal contexts, literature, and official communication.
This isn't just about accent or vocabulary—the grammar, sentence structure, and even some basic words are completely different between the two forms.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Spoken (பேச்சு) | Written (எழுத்து) |
|---|---|---|
| What are you doing? | என்ன பண்ற? | என்ன செய்கிறாய்? |
| I don't know | தெரியாது | எனக்குத் தெரியவில்லை |
| Where is it? | எங்க இருக்கு? | எங்கே இருக்கிறது? |
| Come here | இங்க வா | இங்கே வா |
| That person | அந்த ஆளு | அந்த நபர் |
| Why? | ஏன்டா / ஏன்டி | ஏன்? |
When to Use Each Style
Use Spoken Tamil
- WhatsApp messages with friends
- Casual social media posts
- Dialogue in movies/drama scripts
- Informal blog posts
- YouTube video scripts (casual)
Use Written Tamil
- School/college essays and exams
- Government applications
- Official letters and emails
- News articles and journalism
- Literary works and poetry
Common Spoken → Written Conversions
செய்யற → செய்கிறாய் (doing)
இல்ல → இல்லை (no/not)
எங்க → எங்கே (where)
Why Mastering Both Forms Matters
For Exam Success: TNPSC, UPSC, and school exams require formal written Tamil. Using spoken forms will cost you marks.
For Professional Communication: Official letters, applications, and business emails in Tamil should use the written form to maintain credibility.
For Content Creation: Know when to switch—casual YouTube videos may use spoken Tamil, but news reporting requires written form.