Simple Tamil

Simple Tamil, by Prof. J. B. Disanayaka, is a very useful and attractive learning tool for both Sinhala and Tamil children. The colourful booklet was launched amidst a large gathering at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on September 13.

The aim of this booklet is threefold. It aims to help Tamil children to write what they speak correctly, Sinhalese and foreign children to speak, read and write Tamil, and Tamil children to speak, read and write Sinhala.

Prof. Disanayaka explained that although he originally intended the book for young children in the North and East, who speak Tamil, to learn to read and write the language correctly, its scope was later extended to include the others as well.

The author, Prof. J. B. Disanayaka, Professor Emeritus, University of Colombo, has written several books on language, modern linguistics and culture in both Sinhala and English. He has also published many booklets for children to popularize Sri Lankan folk tales in Sinhala, English and Tamil. He served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

‘Simple Tamil’ introduces all the Tamil letters used today by contemporary writers in books and newspapers. Simple letters are introduced first, followed by the more difficult ones. However, the traditional order of the letters is also given in order to be able to find words in dictionaries.

A lesson introduces one letter at a time, and a new letter is shown along with letters already learned. The booklet also leaves space on each page to copy out the letters.

The colourful illustrations by Nalin Balasuriya, carried alongside each word, gives the Sinhala and English equivalent of the word. Using simple words, accompanied by pictures, ‘Simple Tamil’ is made
attractive to young children. It would indeed be useful for those learning Tamil or Sinhala as a link language.

Sponsored by Citizens Development (CDB), the first 10,000 copies of Simple Tamil will be distributed free to needy children, particularly in the North and East. Copies will be available for sale in the bookshops within two to three weeks.