Tamil: UNESCO’s Recognition Affirms the Legacy of one of the World’s Oldest Living Language

Tamil is widely regarded as the world’s oldest living language, with a continuous literary tradition dating back to at least 500 BCE. In 2004, it was officially recognised by the Government of India as the first Classical Language of India, acknowledging its deep historical and cultural roots.

This recognition, endorsed by UNESCO in 2008, is a moment of profound significance—not only for Tamil-speaking communities across the globe but for all who value cultural diversity, intellectual heritage, and the enduring power of language.

Spoken by over 80 million people and boasting a literary tradition that dates back more than 2,500 years, Tamil is a language that has not merely survived; it has flourished, evolving continuously without losing its classical soul.

The ancient Sangam literature, with its themes of love, war, ethics, and nature, showcases a civilisation that was deeply reflective, socially organised, and intellectually rich.

Texts like the Thirukkural, composed by the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, remain timeless in their ethical and philosophical resonance, influencing thinkers across generations and cultures.

What makes Tamil’s journey truly exceptional is that it is not just an ancient language but a living one. It is spoken and sung, written and read, celebrated and passed on from generation to generation in homes, temples, schools, and cultural spaces across India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, and beyond.

In every corner of the globe where Tamil hearts beat, the language remains a vital force of identity, continuity, and pride.

In South Africa, Tamil arrived with the indentured labourers over 160 years ago. Despite the hardships of colonialism and apartheid, the language endured through the devotion of families, religious institutions, cultural organisations, and community schools.

Today, Tamil continues to be taught, performed, and honoured through events such as the Tamil Eisteddfod, festivals, and educational initiatives, standing as a testament to the community’s unbreakable spirit.

UNESCO’s recognition is more than symbolic. It is a powerful reminder that languages are not merely tools for communication — they are vessels of history, culture, worldview, and soul. In a global era where linguistic homogenisation threatens many mother tongues, Tamil stands as a model of resilience and renaissance.

This recognition should also serve as a clarion call to governments, educators, and civil society to prioritise the preservation and promotion of all indigenous and heritage languages.

In South Africa, where we are blessed with 12 official languages and many more heritage tongues, Tamil’s example should inspire us to deepen our commitment to multilingual education, cultural inclusion, and language rights.

Moreover, this milestone offers a rich opportunity for social cohesion. Celebrating Tamil is not about elevating one culture above another but about recognising the shared human

2 | Pageendeavour to express, record, and pass on knowledge, values, and beauty. When we honour the Tamil legacy, we honour the global mosaic of linguistic and cultural diversity.

As we celebrate the Tamil New Year, Visuvavasu. (5127) — a year that symbolises universal prosperity— let us carry forward this renewed recognition with purpose. Let us invest in the future of our languages, strengthen intergenerational transmission, and build societies that embrace the full spectrum of their cultural wealth.

Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal – Happy Tamil New Year to all. May the year ahead be filled with knowledge, unity, and the shared celebration of our diverse heritage.

Dr Rajendran Govender is a board member at the Pan South African Language Board.