Why speak Tamil?
Tamil is among the oldest living languages, with a proud literary heritage. Its spoken form is a skill of its own, learned only by talking.
- One of the world's oldest living languages
- Spoken Tamil is its own skill
- Retroflex sounds take practice
Phrases to say out loud
Say each one before your call. Mira will use them with you.
- வணக்கம் (vaṇakkam)Hello.
- மீண்டும் சொல்லுங்கள் (mīṇḍum sollungaḷ)Please say that again.
- இதை தமிழில் எப்படி சொல்வது? (idai tamiḻil eppaḍi solvadu?)How do you say this in Tamil?
- நான் இன்னும் கற்றுக்கொண்டிருக்கிறேன் (nān innum kaṟṟukkoṇḍirukkiṟēn)I'm still learning.
- கொஞ்சம் மெதுவாக பேசுங்கள் (konjam meduvāka pēsungaḷ)Please speak a little slowly.
- நான் பேசப் பயிற்சி செய்ய விரும்புகிறேன் (nān pēsap payiṟci seyya virumbugiṟēn)I want to practice speaking.
Tips to speak Tamil sooner
- Focus on spoken Tamil, which differs from the written form, by talking.
- Practise the retroflex sounds by curling your tongue and repeating slowly.
- Learn everyday phrases as whole units so conversation flows.
Preparing for a speaking exam? See exams
Questions, answered
Do you practise spoken or written Tamil?
Spoken Tamil, which is quite different from the formal written form. You can only pick up the everyday spoken style by talking, and that is what Mira helps with.
Do I need to know any Tamil already?
No, you can start as a complete beginner. Mira speaks slowly, keeps things simple, and can help in English when you are stuck, then raises the difficulty as you improve.
How is this different from a language app?
Apps build vocabulary but rarely make you speak in real time. Mira is a live phone conversation, so you practise understanding and speaking Tamil together, which is what real conversations demand.
Your free practice call is one ring away.
- Pick the language you speak and the one your exam is in
- Tell us where to reach you
- Mira calls for a free 3-minute practice conversation
Confirm your details
Mira will call this number for your free 3-minute trial conversation.
When the call connects, wait for Mira to speak first. There's no need to say hello, she begins the conversation on her own.