Tamil, one of the oldest languages in the world, has a rich vocabulary that extends into various fields of study. For those learning Tamil, especially students and academics, understanding the words for academic subjects and majors can be incredibly useful. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of Tamil words for academic subjects and majors, making it easier for English speakers to navigate educational conversations and texts in Tamil.
Core Academic Subjects
Academic subjects form the foundation of education systems worldwide. Understanding these key subjects in Tamil can help learners better grasp the language in an academic context.
1. **Mathematics** – கணிதம் (Kanidham)
– Mathematics is a fundamental subject that deals with numbers, quantities, and shapes. In Tamil, it is referred to as **Kanidham**.
2. **Science** – அறிவியல் (Ariviyal)
– Science encompasses a broad range of disciplines that study the natural world. The Tamil word for science is **Ariviyal**.
3. **History** – வரலாறு (Varalāṟu)
– History deals with past events and their impact on the present and future. In Tamil, history is known as **Varalāṟu**.
4. **Geography** – புவியியல் (Puviyiyal)
– Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. In Tamil, it is called **Puviyiyal**.
5. **English** – ஆங்கிலம் (Āṅkilam)
– English, a global lingua franca, is also studied as a subject in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil word for English is **Āṅkilam**.
6. **Tamil** – தமிழ் (Tamil)
– Tamil is not only a language but also a subject that explores its literature and grammar. It is simply referred to as **Tamil**.
Social Sciences
Social sciences help us understand human society and social relationships. Here are the terms for some key social science subjects in Tamil:
1. **Sociology** – சமூகவியல் (Samūgaviyal)
– Sociology is the study of society, social relationships, and social institutions. The Tamil term is **Samūgaviyal**.
2. **Psychology** – உளவியல் (Uḷaviyal)
– Psychology explores the human mind and behavior. In Tamil, it is referred to as **Uḷaviyal**.
3. **Economics** – பொருளியல் (Poruḷiyal)
– Economics deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The Tamil word for economics is **Poruḷiyal**.
4. **Political Science** – அரசியல் (Arasiyal)
– Political science studies government systems, political behavior, and political entities. In Tamil, it is known as **Arasiyal**.
Natural Sciences
Natural sciences study the physical world and its phenomena. Here are some essential natural science subjects in Tamil:
1. **Physics** – இயற்பியல் (Iyaṟpiyal)
– Physics is the science of matter, energy, and their interactions. The Tamil word for physics is **Iyaṟpiyal**.
2. **Chemistry** – வேதியியல் (Vētiyiyal)
– Chemistry focuses on substances and their properties, reactions, and compositions. In Tamil, it is called **Vētiyiyal**.
3. **Biology** – உயிரியல் (Uyiriyal)
– Biology is the study of living organisms. The Tamil term for biology is **Uyiriyal**.
Formal Sciences
Formal sciences are concerned with abstract systems and include subjects like mathematics and logic. Here are the terms in Tamil:
1. **Mathematics** – கணிதம் (Kanidham)
– As mentioned earlier, mathematics is referred to as **Kanidham** in Tamil.
2. **Computer Science** – கணினி அறிவியல் (Kaṇiṉi Ariviyal)
– Computer science deals with the theory of computation and the design of computational systems. The Tamil word for computer science is **Kaṇiṉi Ariviyal**.
3. **Statistics** – புள்ளியியல் (Puḷḷiyiyal)
– Statistics involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. In Tamil, it is known as **Puḷḷiyiyal**.
Humanities
The humanities explore human culture, thought, and expression. Here are some key subjects in Tamil:
1. **Literature** – இலக்கியம் (Ilakkiyam)
– Literature encompasses written works, especially those considered to have artistic merit. In Tamil, it is called **Ilakkiyam**.
2. **Philosophy** – தத்துவம் (Tattuvam)
– Philosophy explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. The Tamil term for philosophy is **Tattuvam**.
3. **Linguistics** – மொழியியல் (Moḻiyiyal)
– Linguistics is the scientific study of language. In Tamil, it is known as **Moḻiyiyal**.
Arts and Fine Arts
The arts and fine arts cover creative disciplines. Here are the terms in Tamil:
1. **Art** – கலை (Kalai)
– Art is a diverse range of human activities that involve creative expression. The Tamil word for art is **Kalai**.
2. **Music** – இசை (Isai)
– Music is the art of arranging sounds in time. In Tamil, music is referred to as **Isai**.
3. **Dance** – நடனம் (Naṭanam)
– Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music. The Tamil term for dance is **Naṭanam**.
Professional and Applied Sciences
Professional and applied sciences focus on practical applications of scientific knowledge. Here are some key subjects in Tamil:
1. **Engineering** – பொறியியல் (Poṟiyiyal)
– Engineering involves the application of science and mathematics to solve problems. In Tamil, it is known as **Poṟiyiyal**.
2. **Medicine** – மருத்துவம் (Maruttuvam)
– Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The Tamil word for medicine is **Maruttuvam**.
3. **Nursing** – செவிலியியல் (Ceṟviliyiyal)
– Nursing is the profession of caring for the sick and infirm. In Tamil, it is called **Ceṟviliyiyal**.
4. **Law** – சட்டம் (Saṭṭam)
– Law refers to the system of rules that a society or government develops. The Tamil term for law is **Saṭṭam**.
5. **Business Administration** – வணிக நிர்வாகம் (Vaṇiga Nirvāgam)
– Business administration involves managing a business or organization. In Tamil, it is known as **Vaṇiga Nirvāgam**.
Majors and Specializations
In higher education, students often specialize in a particular field. Here are some common majors and their Tamil equivalents:
1. **Mechanical Engineering** – இயந்திர பொறியியல் (Iyaṉtirapoṟiyiyal)
– Mechanical engineering focuses on the design, construction, and use of machines. The Tamil term is **Iyaṉtirapoṟiyiyal**.
2. **Civil Engineering** – குடிமை பொறியியல் (Kuṭimai Poṟiyiyal)
– Civil engineering deals with the design and construction of public works. In Tamil, it is called **Kuṭimai Poṟiyiyal**.
3. **Electrical Engineering** – மின்சார பொறியியல் (Minsāra Poṟiyiyal)
– Electrical engineering involves the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The Tamil term is **Minsāra Poṟiyiyal**.
4. **Computer Engineering** – கணினி பொறியியல் (Kaṇiṉi Poṟiyiyal)
– Computer engineering integrates computer science and electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. In Tamil, it is known as **Kaṇiṉi Poṟiyiyal**.
5. **Biotechnology** – உயிரி தொழில்நுட்பம் (Uyiri Toḻilnuṭpam)
– Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products. The Tamil word is **Uyiri Toḻilnuṭpam**.
6. **Pharmacy** – மருந்தியல் (Maruntiyal)
– Pharmacy involves the preparation and dispensing of medicinal drugs. In Tamil, it is called **Maruntiyal**.
7. **Architecture** – கட்டிடக்கலை (Kaṭṭiṭakkalai)
– Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings. The Tamil term for architecture is **Kaṭṭiṭakkalai**.
8. **Journalism** – பத்திரிகை (Pattirikai)
– Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. In Tamil, it is known as **Pattirikai**.
9. **Education** – கல்வி (Kalvi)
– Education is the process of facilitating learning. The Tamil word for education is **Kalvi**.
10. **Environmental Science** – சுற்றுச்சூழல் அறிவியல் (Suṟṟucūḻal Ariviyal)
– Environmental science studies the environment and solutions to environmental problems. The Tamil term is **Suṟṟucūḻal Ariviyal**.
Conclusion
Understanding the Tamil words for academic subjects and majors can be incredibly beneficial for students, educators, and anyone interested in the academic context of the Tamil language. This comprehensive list serves as a valuable resource for English speakers learning Tamil, offering a deeper insight into the language and its application in education. Whether you’re discussing subjects, choosing a major, or simply expanding your vocabulary, these terms will undoubtedly enhance your Tamil language skills.
