CHENNAI: Development of Tamil in computing will determine the future of the language, said speakers at an exhibition that showcased new utility and educational software in Tamil, here on Saturday.
Speaking at the inaugural of the exhibition, Dr.Krishnamurthy former professor of Anna University said, “According to a recent study, in another few hundred years only six languages in the world will survive. Fortunately one of them is Tamil. The reasons cited are the growth of the language and its strong core.” “But if you ask me, only Hindi and Tamil are prevalent in IT among Indian languages. If a society fails to use the technology of that time it will become backward and today’s technology is computing.
The technology is already there but an impetus is required and that has to come from the State government,” he said.
Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi stressed the need for new software for children in Tamil saying, “What we need is new Tamil literature and software for children and young adults, which will enthuse them and help retain their interest in Tamil. If they can learn about new things in Tamil, a language that they already know it becomes easier.” “Only technology can help Tamil now,” she said charting the new course for Tamil.
The exhibition-cum-sale, at Dass community centre, is on till July 12 and displays Tamil word processors, CDs of children’s stories and rhymes, language learning software and software manuals in Tamil.