Tamil Nadu stands as No 1 in the number of foreign tourists visiting India.While most of the Tamils do understand little English,travelling around Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry would definitely be easy,if tourists can speak in simple conversational Tamil.
Here is my little help for the tourists in this regard.
The right way to greet in Tamil !Make the locals your relatives!
In the west ,its common to greet by a 'Hello!'This way of greeting has no 'relationship' indicated.In Tamil,greetings are always relationship based.Yes,you are somebody to them!Like,may be a Brother,Sister,Dad,Mom etc.So when you meet some one for some talk ,you can say,depending on their age and gender,as follows:
(All words start with 'A' sound,generally)
Elderly Man-"Ayya"
Elderly Lady-"Amma"(Motherly)
Man(if elder to you)-"Anna"(Elder Brother)
Woman(-do-)-"Akka"(Elder Sister)
Man(if younger)-"Thambi"(Younger Brother)
Any 'woman' irrespective of age ,can be addressed as 'Amma' For example ,you can call a little girl as 'Amma'
And ,how do you say "Good Morning" etc.in Tamil ?
Let us understand that in Tamil culture,such greetings ARE NOT THERE.However,due to western influence,such greetings are not unacceptable.But to greet any one,the right way,at any point of time,one word in Tamil ,will suffice.
That is
'Vanakkam' with folded hands as under.
The fore-going 2 components make a complete greeting in Tamil.For instance,you want to ask how far is Anna Nagar to a cab driver.Your greeting would be
"Vanakkam,Anna!...."followed by your question.
And,don't forget to add suffix 'INGA' !
In English,the word 'you' can be used to address any one,in the normal conversations.The word 'you' does not have any 'respect for age factor' built into it.'You' is used for a little boy and a ripe old man as well.
But Tamils are keen on giving respect for age.
So 'you' in Tamil is:
You-Nee (For little ones)
You-Neenga(For all,with respect)
So I suggest using
"Neenga" for everyone, when you want to use address them.Please note that if you use
"Nee" without the suffix
"inga" the usage may be interpreted as a rude gesture and may provoke anger in the person addressed .
Once I was staying in a hotel in Ernakulam ,Kerala.The room keeper used this word "Nee" to address me.I got really angry until I realised that "Nee" is used in Malayalam normally for all age groups .
Now to the basics of Tamil manners for interactions.
When you want to talk to someone ,it is advisable for you to go to him than calling him to you.Often if you call someone to you it may be interpreted as a rude gesture.However,calling little children is considered okay.
Hand shake is not normal in Tamil culture but if you offer,they may accept it without offence.A smile and a 'Vanakkam' is normal.
"Thayavu seithu" means"Please' Please note that the usage of 'Please' in Tamil culture is not as frequent as in English.So,even if you forget to use this word,it is okay.
'Nanri' is 'Thanks' in Tamil.
"Bye" in Tamil,is 'Poyittu varen"
Basic words for conversation.
Come-Vaanga
Go-Poanga
Sit-ukkarunga
Eat-Saapidunga
Give-Kodunga
Take-Edunga
Wait-Konjam irunga
Catch-Pidiyunga(Say,you want to shout "Catch that thief"-Just shout'Pidiyunga')
Please note 'inga' at the end of any instruction .
Now to Questions!
(Questions normally start with 'yeah' sound)
Why-yean? or yetharkku?
Where-enga?
Which-edhu?
How-eppadi?
How much-evvalavu?
(Eg:How much is the price?-Evvalavu vilai?
How far is the beach?-kadarkarai evvalavu thooram?)
Note:Please note that in Tamil usage,sentences do not start with verbs.Eg:'Please Clean my room' in Tamil will be "En arayai sutha paduthu".
Note that the word 'room(arai)' comes in the beginning and the verb 'clean' at the end.
Simple Conversational sentences:
What is your name?-Unga peyar enna?
I am Victor-En peyar Victor
Where is the toilet?-kaliparai engu irrukiradhu?
(If you say toilet engu irrukiradhu ? also most people are likely to understand especially in cities)
How can I go to Adayar?-Adayar eppadi poagalaam?
I need a cab-Ennakku oru taxi veandum.
What's the fare?-Evvalavu aagum?
Eg:You want to go to Pondicherry by a cab from Chennai ,you can ask the cab driver "Ponidcherry evvalavu aagum?"
Welcome-Vaanga !
How do you do?-Eppadi irukkinga?
Yes-Sari
No-Illai
Water-Thanneer
Food-Sappadu
COMMENTS WELCOME (To be continued)