Comments on: New languages evolve in rapid bursts

By: Geetha

Geetha — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:30:04 +0000

You are spot on, it is ancient Tamil, Taar. We have a very different script now and though the letters are somewhat similar, a layman cannot read what is there in that inscription. For a taste of the script of the present Tamil language: இந்த ப்ளாக் ரொம்ப நல்லா இருக்கு. (Translation – This blog is very good)

By: Taar

Taar — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:08:49 +0000

@scott,

I think it’s old Tamil ; the inscription may be found on the walls of the Bragadeeshwara temple in Thanjavur. Shade wasn’t too far.

Look at the third picture at :

http://www.indiainimages.com/2010/08/old-tamil-script

By: Shade

Shade — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:03:47 +0000

I do believe it is a northern indian language, I’m not completely sure though.

By: scott

scott — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:22:54 +0000

that’s a beautiful script in the photo above the article… anyone know what it is?

By: Pen

Pen — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:04:33 +0000

These are groups associated with migration, aren’t they? Isn’t it more likely that their languages diverged rapidly because of geographical separation than because of identity issues?

By: Jonathan Thornburg

Jonathan Thornburg — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:28:39 +0000

@Lilian,
That’s why good spell-check software has an option to select language dialect.
Unix ‘spell’ has other flaws, but it’s always had a “-b” (“British”) option.
– Jonathan (a fellow Canuck temporarily transplanted to the USA)

By: Lilian Nattel

Lilian Nattel — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:06:57 +0000

As a Canadian writer, I wish Webster had had something else to focus on. Our spelling is mostly Br, with a smattering of Americanisms, which increase over time. As a kid I was taught “programme” but now it’s “program.” Spell check falsely identifies Br spelling as incorrect on posts and comments. And then when my manuscript goes to the U.S., it is copy-edited with American spelling. What did Webster have against an occasional “ou”? It gives a nice visual flavour to language.