Unused Yet Present: The Dormant Letters in Tamil

உறங்கும் உயிர் மெய்கள்

Abstract

The Tamil language comprises a rich array of vowels and consonants, yet not all of them are actively used in contemporary spoken and written forms. Some letters, particularly certain vowels and consonantal clusters, have fallen into dormancy due to shifts in linguistic habits, alternative usages, and lack of emphasis in education and media. This paper explores the phenomenon of "dormant letters" in Tamil, focusing on specific characters such as "ஒள" (ou) and consonantal combinations related to "ஞ்" (ñ) and "ங்" (ṅ). The decline in their usage can be attributed to several factors, including phonetic simplification, the influence of other languages, evolving speech patterns, and the absence of these characters in commonly used words. Additionally, many speakers today are unfamiliar with the proper pronunciation of these letters, further contributing to their diminished role. This study proposes strategies to revive and reintegrate these letters into active usage. By examining historical and literary evidence, the paper suggests ways to reintroduce these phonetic elements through education, linguistic reforms, and conscious incorporation into modern Tamil vocabulary. The discussion highlights how restructuring certain words and reinforcing phonetic awareness can help preserve the linguistic integrity of Tamil while making it accessible to both native speakers and new learners..