THIS UNIVERSITY IN CHINA IS TEACHING TAMIL JUST BECAUSE STUDENTS LOVE THE LANGUAGE

While it is a hotly contested topic, Tamil is considered one of the oldest languages in the world. While people may live in different corners, what binds them all is love for the language.

It was love at first glance for Fu Pei Lin, when she had a look at Tamil syllables and tried pronouncing them at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. “Honestly, Tamil is difficult to learn. But I feel so proud and happy when I utter every syllable of it,” she said.

Lin is among the 10 Chinese students who got an idea of the language, after the University started classes on Monday. The students at the university will be taught Tamil language and literature over the next four years, as part of their Bachelor's degree program.

“It reminded me of my first day of learning Tamil 15 years ago. So much needs to be done,” head of the Tamil language department told Times of India.

The university students came to know about the language after they caught sight of the university's advertisements on the website and in secondary schools. While they hardly know anything about the language, the introductory class has reportedly got them excited to learn more. They will learn the language and tour Tamil Nadu for six to twelve months to witness the rich culture of the place where their course originated.

Students will be introduced to Tamil society and culture, history of the language and its geography with advanced skills.

*Report: The Times of India*