The Tamizh Type Project

Hello there! On the subject of languages, like many Indians, I am multi-lingual. I can read, write, and speak fluently in 3 languages (Tamizh, English, Hindi) and have good speaking fluency/ comprehension in Malayalam and Telugu. I am also currently learning Spanish. As a polyglot, I have never felt more comfortable or proud in any language than in my own mother tongue—Tamizh. I find that sometimes the knowledge of English in corporate America is equated to intelligence and professionalism. The idea of representing our culture in our ways of dressing, speaking, and just being are constantly monitored in this space. Oftentimes, we feel pressured to fit into the professional world abroad where some of us may be forced to conform while others just assimilate. When I looked around in the field of art and primarily design, I wanted to see how I could contribute to my cultural roots and spread its beauty and the first thing that struck me was language. It’s one of the primary markers and connections we have with our culture and I wanted to raise awareness that ALL languages we speak are equally important, beautiful, AND professional, especially in the space of design. That’s how this typography project began.

Tamizh is a syllabic language which has 247 compound syllables. This classical language is astonishing and so layered, and nuanced in pronunciation and writing. I will be working on creating type work for all 247 syllables using the same visual style I have set up—the feminine and flowing Tamizh energy. Along with each syllable, I also include a quote from a Tamizh cinema I admire and a Tamizh song lyric. You can find those on my Instagram carousel.

You can find me on Instagram (I am quick to reply on the platform) here.

You can also find the work on my Behance page.

The Uyir Ezhuthukkal (The Soul letters, the vowels)

Mei Ezhutthukkal (The Body letters, consonants)

Uyir-Mei Ezhutthukkal, Ikk Varisai (The Soul-Body letters)