Reviving Spoken Tamil among South African Tamils / தென்னாப்பிரிக்க தமிழர்கள் இடையே பேச்சுத் தமிழுக்கு ஒரு மறுதொடக்கம்

Traditions survive beyond language but language can revive traditions. Tamil was once the spoken language of South African Tamils who were brought as labourers (1860–1911), and has largely been lost over generations due to the dominance of English. The socio-political changes, historical disruptions and apartheid-era isolation from India were also other reasons for it. Tamil traditions, their religious practices and festivals continue to flourish as evidence of the Tamil cultural spirit. Nevertheless, the incapacity to speak Tamil creates a sense of guilt and longing among many of the native Tamils. It also makes efforts to reconnect with their linguistic heritage. This paper explores how Tamil media, radio, and social platforms act as modern tools to facilitate language renewal and cultural preservation among South African Tamils. The study examines the historical contexts, conducting interviews with individuals who are engaged in learning Tamil and analysing current practices. It highlights the transforming role of technology in connecting the generation gaps. The media, such as Tamil television, radio programs and other modern social media platforms provide opportunities to speak the language even amid different situations. Hence, the study highlights how these media act as tools that aid language acquisition and foster a deeper sense of identity to Tamil heritage.