My Passionate Bond,
I am often in awe of my passions, one of which I
have never expressed explicitly: my love for Tamil, my native language and my adoration for English. Tamil is a
link that goes deep inside my nerves, impacting my identity and outlook on the
world. My mother tongue is more than a language to me; it is a source of pride
and a cultural legacy that I cherish.
My parents named me Kanimozhi, an abstract Tamil
name with no inclusion of other languages' letters, which means that I shall
speak the language fruitfully. (I believe so). I know Tamil, my mother tongue, as well as
English, my academic tongue, like a delicate thread that connects two worlds of
languages.
Nonetheless, as broad as it is, my soul yearns for
the earthy warmth of Tamil, the language in which my first lullabies were sung,
my first ideas formed, and my sense of identity established.
Tamil is the language that makes me feel most
connected to my roots and ancestors since it preserves traditions and stories
passed down through centuries. The richness of the language enables me to
express myself in ways that English cannot, making it an essential part of who
I am.
English: As the saying says, "The sun never sets in
England." English has deep roots in all regions of the world, opening
doors and allowing me to investigate disconnected locations, challenging
theories, and great literary masterpieces. That sets my passion for fusing both
languages.
You (Tamil & English) are not merely the words I write or the verses
I read. You are the conversation between the East and the West within me, a
conversation that constantly whispers of stories untold. In English, I find
clarity and structure; and in Tamil, I find emotion and depth of connection. Together, they form
the spectrum of my understanding, giving me a unique lens to view life,
literature, and the world.
It is through you, this inexplicable link, that I
have learned to appreciate the diversity of both cultures. You've shown me that
I don't have to pick between them; they reside harmoniously within me.
Whether it's Shakespeare or Sangam poetry, you've taught me that literature is a global language that transcends borders while being profoundly connected to identity.
Voicingly,
Kanimozhi (Birth Name)
Aurora Bluemoon (Pen Name)
This post is a part of ‘Embrace the Native Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters.
Your love for Tamil and English intertwining within you like two worlds in harmony is truly inspiring. The way you embrace both languages with pride and passion makes this a heartfelt read! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteLiterature is the universal language, you said it. Shakespeare and Sangam are the same that way. Fabulous thought.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteThis is such a good read post. Your love for both the languages reflects through your words.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteInteresting perspective. Literature and love are universal languages. All poets show us that, don't they?
ReplyDeleteYes. I agree.
DeleteSimply beautiful!!!! Two lines that stood out for me- "You've shown me that I don't have to pick between them; they reside harmoniously within me." So true, there isn't any competition among languages but their co-existence with harmony. "Whether it's Shakespeare or Sangam poetry, you've taught me that literature is a global language that transcends borders while being profoundly connected to identity." Art/Literature has no language, it is the emotion, the feeingl that connects.
ReplyDeleteWow. Thank you so much.
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ReplyDeleteJust like birth name and pen name, Tamil and English seem to be 2 sides of the same coin of language for you and they exist together.
ReplyDeleteYes, its like two worlds exist together. Thank you so much for giving it a read
DeleteAs a Tamilian who loves both Tamil and English equally, I completely relate to your post. I might even be slightly partial towards Tamil, but most of my writing happens in English.
ReplyDeleteYes... Its like two different persons living in same body.
DeleteI have similar feelings for Hindi and English. Well written post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteI agree with you that litrature is universal language. Your love for both Tamil and English language is shown in your post. Off course we can't choose only one language.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment
DeleteI agree , languages enrich us, literature enriches us whether it be out native tongue or any other.To me knowing different languages has been a blessing as you can read so many orginal works that translations do not do justice to.
ReplyDeleteYes. Translations do not do justice always. It has to blend in. Thank you for ur comment.
DeleteIt’s so peculiar how you balanced between two languages in your daily use.
ReplyDeleteIts living in two different worlds at the same time. Haha. Thanks for giving it a read.
DeleteI loved the way you've shown equal love for both English and Tamil, not making one feel any less than the other. Sometimes, I feel that a mix of two languages creates one's identity, that's how intricately they are woven into the system.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment.
DeleteI know it's very difficult to choose but you've done it bravely by accepting that Tamil is a part of you as much as English is in this heartfelt and earnest post Aurora. I think it's the same for most of us here as we feel more comfortable writing in English than in our respective mother tongues.
ReplyDeleteI really want to know how your original name is pronounced. I'm gonna ask one of my Tamil speaking friends... and love the meaning of your name.
Thank you so much. My name, Kanimozhi is pronunced as c
Deleteka-nee-mo-li.
"You are the conversation between the East and the West within me, a conversation that constantly whispers of stories untold." So poetically put, Aurora! I love your name, Kanimozhi! What you said is so true... Shakespeare and Sangam are the same. The love you bear for both Tamil and English comes out so eloquently!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteA beautiful read. We are often a sum of multiple languages and their influences. Literature indeed is a global language transcending borders while being profoundly connected to identity.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. Thank you for your comment
DeleteSuch a heartfelt tribute to language! Loved how you beautifully captured the emotional bond with Tamil and the expansive world English opens up. It’s a perfect blend of pride, passion, and identity.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteI had always felt that the emotions we feel are so strong when we express them in our mother tongue. I can feel the yearning you feel for the earthy, soothing Tamil. I share the same kind of connection with Marathi. I get upset if I don't read or listen to any Marathi literature or songs in a couple of days!
ReplyDeleteExactly! thank you so much for ur comment
DeleteI am recently introduced to tamil culture with the entry of a new family member of this region. Though I have only one medium to converse that is English. But I like its rich verses and spiritual writings.
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully you've conveyed your love for both the languages. Well done, Aurora aka Kanimozhi
ReplyDeleteI loved how you explained your connection to both Tamil and English.
ReplyDelete