Loan Words in Sri Lankan Tamil
Sri Lankan Tamil has borrowed words from various languages over time, enriching its vocabulary and reflecting its cultural heritage.
2025-02-15T06:10:38.222Z Back to posts
Loan Words in Sri Lankan Tamil
Sri Lankan Tamil language has borrowed a significant number of words from other languages, including English, Portuguese, Dutch, Hindi, and many more. These loanwords have been incorporated into the language over time due to various historical and cultural reasons.
Types of Loanwords
There are several types of loanwords in Sri Lankan Tamil:
English Loanwords
Many English words have been adopted into Sri Lankan Tamil, often with slight modifications to fit the phonetic and grammatical rules of the language. Examples include:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Office | அலுவலகம் (Aluvalaakam) |
| Computer | கணினி (Kaniini) |
| Internet | இணையம் (Iṉaiyam) |
Portuguese Loanwords
During the Portuguese colonial period, many words were borrowed from the Portuguese language. These loanwords often retain their original pronunciation and spelling.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ammu | அம்மு (mother) |
| Anna | அண்ணா (older brother) |
| Pana | பானா (cup or glass) |
Dutch Loanwords
The Dutch East India Company played a significant role in the history of Sri Lanka, and many words were borrowed from the Dutch language.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bata | பட்டு (cloth or fabric) |
| Kade | காடே (store or shop) |
| Pani | பனி (ice cream) |
Hindi Loanwords
Sri Lankan Tamil has also borrowed words from Hindi, particularly in the fields of cuisine and commerce.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Chettiyar | செட்டியார் (businessman or merchant) |
| Dosa | தோசை ( fermented crepe made from rice and lentil batter) |
| Ghee | கீரை (clarified butter) |
Other Loanwords
In addition to the above-mentioned languages, Sri Lankan Tamil has also borrowed words from other languages such as French, German, and Malay.
Impact of Loanwords on Sri Lankan Tamil
The incorporation of loanwords into Sri Lankan Tamil has had a significant impact on the language. On one hand, it has enriched the language with new vocabulary, enabling speakers to communicate effectively in various fields such as technology, commerce, and cuisine. On the other hand, it has also led to concerns about language purity and the potential for language loss.
Conclusion
Loanwords have become an integral part of Sri Lankan Tamil, reflecting the language’s rich cultural heritage and its interactions with other languages over time. While the incorporation of loanwords may raise questions about language authenticity, it is undeniable that they have contributed to the language’s diversity and adaptability.
Sources: This article was written based on the author’s knowledge and understanding of the Sri Lankan Tamil language.