Murugaiya Thalinjan – Tamil Professor and Lecturer at INALCO

Murugaiya Thalinjan arrived in Paris thirty years ago to complete his studies and did a Phd on Linguistic and Tamil literature. He teaches at INALCO - National Institute of Eastern Languages and Civilisations - in Paris Sorbonne for non-Tamil students but also students who have Tamil origins: they usually can understand the language but can’t speak or read it.

A new kind of student, therefore, started enrolling for class. More and more French companies are settling in Tamil Nadu and want their expatriate staff to have some basics in the local language. Mr. Thalinjan already gave some courses to Renault employees and hopes to have some more professional learners soon since organizations such as BNPParibas, Societe General, Poclain, Michelin are developing their activities in the region.

Like many Pondicherrians, he is aware of the presence of PIOs in the former French colonies and helps them to revive their ancestors’ traditions with proper Tamil language. The language was transmitted orally hence leading to deformation.

He is working now on the translation of a Therukoothu Mandram for an association, allowing them to enjoy the stories of Indian God and Goddess in French.