FOUR non-Indians are among those who have signed up for free Tamil classes launched in George Town, Penang, reflecting an interest in the language beyond the Indian community.
Lebuh Pasar Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Naffizatul Missria Syed Musthaffa said the programme currently offered 25 places.
At its launch in Taman Manggis, Naffizatul said more classes might be organised at other National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi) in the area if there was demand.
Instructor M. Valaarmaty welcomed the participation of Malaysians from different ethnicities, saying that learning another language broadens knowledge and understanding.
“Tamil is one of the world’s oldest languages.
“Learning different languages is a good way to gain knowledge and appreciate the culture and heritage of other communities,” said Valaarmaty, who has taught Tamil at SJK (T) Rajaji in George Town for more than 10 years.
The classes, to be held four times a month over a year, are free.
Each two-hour session covers spoken and written Tamil.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the programme, said community initiatives played an important role in preserving language, culture and identity.
“Language is more than just a means of communication, it carries the history, values, knowledge and identity of a community,” he said.
He noted that efforts to learn and preserve Tamil benefitted not only the Indian community but also enriched Penang’s cultural heritage.
He added that the initiative complemented the state government’s support of Tamil education.
Chow said the state allocated RM2.42mil annually through the State Special Committee for Tamil Schools to support 28 Tamil primary schools in Penang.
The allocation covers maintenance, information and communications technology facilities, computer laboratories and facilities supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
Chow hopes the programme can be expanded to accommodate more participants and offer a higher level of learning.
