Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 66

Issue 11: Tamil Diaspora and Identity
Author: Ms. Vellie Nila
Background:
Diaspora refers to the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland.
Tamil language hails from the Dravidian language family. The Dravidian language family is now concentrated at the south of
India. However, it is spoken in many countries across the world. This is due to the large waves of migration by the Tamils.
Tamils have migrated to different parts of the world as early trade settlers, coolies, refugees or in the more recent wave of
migration as foreign talents. As these migrating Tamils move further away from their ancestral land, they have brought Tamil
language along with them. However, what is the state of the language in these diasporic communities?
Waves of migration
Mid 19 th to Early 20 th Century
During the colonial rule, Tamils from Tamil
Nadu took diverse trajectory paths.
• Indentured Labourers who signed a bond,
brought to countries such as Mauritius,
South Africa, Singapore etc.. They worked
for low wages in harsh conditions and many
did not return back home.
• Tamil traders who travelled around the
world, mainly at South East Asia (SEA).
Money lenders, who monopolised the
industry in many parts of SEA.
Late 19 th Century onwards
Free Labour movement due to colonial
employment opportunities. E.g. Security
After India's Independence (1947)
Migration of professionals to UK and USA.
Leaving
ancestral
place
for
good.
Amalgamation into host country and culture.
Tamils integrated well in some countri