Learn Spoken Tamil
Sol [சொல்] means word - and to say. The SOL Tamil App starts you with everyday vocabulary and takes you to real conversations: phrases, grammar and verb conjugation you'd actually use at home.
Why spoken Tamil
Existing Tamil courses teach written Tamil. It's time to learn conversational Tamil.
Passing Tamil on to the next generation in the diaspora keeps us connected to our identity, heritage and culture. But between work, family and everything else, a language course that starts with the alphabet rarely survives week three. SOL starts with what you want to say everyday.
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Words you'll use everyday
Every module is built from everyday life — animals, colours, body parts, day & time — with audio from native speakers and transliteration beside every word.
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Then phrases, then grammar
Once the vocabulary sticks, paths move into spoken phrases, sentence patterns and verb conjugation — in the order conversation actually needs them.
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Five minutes is enough
Short listen-and-practise lessons, progress you can see, and no pressure to read or write Tamil script before you're ready.
Built for
Diaspora adults reconnecting with Tamil · Heritage speakers who understand but don't speak · Partners and in-laws joining a Tamil family · Travellers starting from zero.
Inside the app
One path, from your first word to your first conversation.
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Pick a module
23 free modules, grouped by themes.
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Follow a path
Subtopics unlock in order, so you always know what's next.
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Listen first
Tap to hear each word, with transliteration and meaning.
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Practise
Quick checks that recall the sound, not the spelling.
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Keep going
Progress, streaks and ranks — small wins that bring you back.
About the makers
We built the app we wished our families had.
SOL is created by a small team from the Tamil diaspora - second generation Tamils who grew up understanding Tamil at the dinner table and answering in English. The content has been carefully designed by Tamil teachers with more than 20 years of teaching Tamil in the diaspora. With audio recordings from native speakers for everyday language use.
Tamil is one of the world's oldest living languages. Speaking Tamil at home with our loved ones keeps it alive for many generations to come.
FAQ
Questions we get asked
Do I need to read Tamil script to use SOL?
No. Every word and phrase comes with transliteration and audio, so you can learn to speak first. The script is always there beside it if and when you want it.
Which Tamil do you teach - spoken or formal?
Everyday spoken Tamil, the kind used in conversation at home and with family. Formal written Tamil is a different register, and it isn't where we start.
Is it suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The first modules assume nothing: single words with audio, then short phrases. Heritage speakers who understand but don't speak can skip ahead by module.
How much time does it take?
A lesson is about five minutes. The app is built for people fitting Tamil around work and family, not for hour-long study sessions.