Tamil is one of the major languages of India and the 17th most spoken language in the world. Tamil is one of the oldest written languages with a history going back 3000 years. Tamil speakers are proud of their culture and literary tradition. Large populations of Tamils have left southern India and have come to live in over 20 nations. During the days of the British Empire many Tamils came to live in Australia. Many Tamils have lived in Australia for generations. While they speak fluent English, most still use Tamil as their family language.
The Tamils in Australia have diverse lives. The educated ones have a middle or upper class lifestyle. They have taken advantage of Australia's education system and become professionals in business, trade, medicine, science, and in education. Recently arrived Tamils have a more difficult time finding jobs in order to meet the needs of their family. Many Tamils own and work in small businesses such as restaurants, retail and construction. The father is the head of the Tamil family. He shares leadership with his wife over the children. A woman has a higher place in the Tamil home than in most Asian cultures. Parents encourage their sons and daughters to excel in education and obtain college degrees. Tamils in Australia try to maintain their ethnic identity and at the same time become Australian citizens. In traditional Tamil culture, the parents chose the spouse of their children. This practice has changed in Western societies where children frequently choose their partner with their parents' guidance.
Though there are many Muslim and Christian Tamils, the majority practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Tamils visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Tamil people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
The Tamils in Australia must understand that Jesus is not only the Lord and Savior of Australians. Jesus is the Tamils' Lord and Savior too. Newly arrived Tamils have needs for housing, jobs and schooling that Australian believers can help meet. Showing practical love to the Tamils will draw them to the Savior.
Pray the Lord raises up a Disciple Making Movement among the Australian Tamils in this decade. Pray the Lord moves believers and churches in Australia to reach out and share the good news with the Tamils. Pray that more Christian literature and videos becomes available in the Tamil language.
Scripture Prayers for the Tamil in Australia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_diaspora
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Tamil (Hindu traditions) |
People Name in Country | Tamil |
Pronunciation | TAH-mill |
Alternate Names | तमिल (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स) |
Population this Country | 77,000 |
Population all Countries | 2,857,000 |
Total Countries | 20 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | No |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 2 |
People ID | 18211 |
ROP3 Code | 113732 |
Country | Australia | ||
Region | Australia and Pacific | ||
Continent | Australia | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Country | Australia |
Region | Australia and Pacific |
Continent | Australia |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 1.00 %) |
2.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
85.00 %
|
Islam |
13.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Tamil (77,000 speakers) |
Language Code | tam Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Tamil (77,000 speakers) |
Language Code | tam Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Tamil |
Primary Language: Tamil
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1714-1956) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1715-1998) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1727-2021) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Bible-NT Text | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source | Anonymous |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |