Understanding Tamil Vowels (Uyir Ezhuthu) and Their Pronunciation for English Speakers

Introduction to Tamil Vowels (Uyir Ezhuthu)

Tamil, a classical language spoken predominantly in Tamil Nadu, India, and Sri Lanka, has a unique script with vowels known as Uyir Ezhuthu. These vowels are fundamental to reading, writing, and pronunciation in Tamil. This article introduces the Tamil vowels and guides English speakers on how to pronounce them correctly.

What Are Uyir Ezhuthu?

In Tamil, vowels are called Uyir Ezhuthu, which literally means "soul letters". There are 12 vowels in Tamil, each with a distinct sound. These vowels can stand alone or combine with consonants to form syllables.

The 12 Tamil Vowels

• அ (a)
• ஆ (aa)
• இ (i)
• ஈ (ii)
• உ (u)
• ஊ (uu)
• எ (e)
• ஏ (ee)
• ஐ (ai)
• ஒ (o)
• ஓ (oo)
• ஔ (au)

Pronunciation Guide for Tamil Vowels

Below is a guide to pronouncing each Tamil vowel, with approximate English equivalents to help learners.

1. அ (a) - Pronounced like the 'a' in "America" (short and open).
2. ஆ (aa) - Pronounced like the 'a' in "father" (long and open).
3. இ (i) - Pronounced like the 'i' in "bit" (short).
4. ஈ (ii) - Pronounced like the 'ee' in "see" (long).
5. உ (u) - Pronounced like the 'u' in "put" (short).
6. ஊ (uu) - Pronounced like the 'oo' in "food" (long).
7. எ (e) - Pronounced like the 'e' in "bed" (short).
8. ஏ (ee) - Pronounced like the 'a' in "cake" (long).
9. ஐ (ai) - Pronounced like the 'i' in "kite" (diphthong).
10. ஒ (o) - Pronounced like the 'o' in "hot" (short).
11. ஓ (oo) - Pronounced like the 'o' in "go" (long).
12. ஔ (au) - Pronounced like the 'ow' in "cow" (diphthong).

Tips for English Speakers Learning Tamil Vowels

Tamil vowels have both short and long forms, which can change the meaning of words. Paying attention to vowel length and pronunciation is essential. Practice listening to native speakers and repeat the sounds to improve your accent.

Common Tamil Vowels with English Examples

Conclusion

Mastering the Tamil vowels (Uyir Ezhuthu) is the first step towards learning Tamil pronunciation and script. With practice and attention to vowel length and sound, English speakers can develop a strong foundation in Tamil language skills.