Tamil Language in Information Technology: Applications, Growth, and Future Scope

Abstract

The growth and sustainability of any language increasingly depend on its ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technological environments. Tamil, one of the world’s oldest living languages with a rich literary and cultural heritage, has demonstrated notable adaptability within modern information technology frameworks. While the antiquity of Tamil is well established, reinforcing its contemporary relevance and technological presence is equally essential in the digital era. In this context, the role of Tamil in computer-based systems—electronic platforms that store, process, and manage information through machine-readable formats—has gained significant importance. For a language to achieve sustained prominence in information technology, the availability of extensive digital resources and structured datasets comparable to those of dominant languages such as English is crucial. Globally, university scholars and Tamil language experts have been actively contributing to the digitization, computational processing, and technological enrichment of Tamil. As the depth and volume of Tamil digital data continue to expand, greater institutional and industrial engagement in Tamil-based technological development is anticipated. This study examines the present status of Tamil across key technological domains, including software development, mobile and web applications, interface localization, e-learning and digital education platforms, document processing and office applications, machine translation, and artificial intelligence–based systems. In addition, the study explores future-oriented strategies and initiatives necessary to enhance Tamil’s technological sustainability and strengthen its position within the global information technology ecosystem.