Tamil Alphabet for Beginners: 12 Vowels, 18 Consonants
The Tamil alphabet consists of 12 vowels, 18 consonants, and a special character called the āytam, forming a logical structure for beginners. Consonants inherently carry an “a” sound, modified by a pulli mark for silent sounds. Vowels and consonants combine to create 216 compound characters. Learning the script alongside audio from the start improves pronunciation. The two-week practice plan emphasizes auditory learning, making the script a tool for speaking, rather than a separate task. Grantha letters for Sanskrit words are secondary and can be learned later.