Tired of being lost at family gatherings, or having people switch to English when you attempt to speak in Tamil?
You're not "bad" at Tamil. You just need a proper foundation in everyday spoken Tamil.
The way we speak Tamil is different from the way we write it.
The Tamil used for daily communication is a much more relaxed version of the language with its own set of grammatical modifications.
So in order to speak Tamil confidently these spoken Tamil differences need to be understood.
But traditional Tamil classes focus on formal (written) Tamil and don't explain spoken Tamil modifications in detail.
And those free resources teaching you phrases only using English transliterations? They do not capture the unique sounds of Tamil, forcing you to develop an accent or sound unnatural.
That's why I created Spoken Tamil Essentials
After 80+ community calls, tutoring students, and consulting with Tamil professors worldwide, I designed this 5 levelled program, split into 10-week courses to teach you the spoken Tamil that people actually use in a clear, structured setting that makes sense.
Your Tamil Learning Journey
Split into 5 progressive levels
Level 1
The Foundation Builder
Learn the Tamil sounds, alphabet, and sentence basics needed to start speaking.
Level 2
The Sentence Maker
Form complete sentences, ask questions, and talk about everyday situations.
Level 3
The Conversation Builder
Expand grammar and vocabulary to hold longer conversations naturally.
Level 4
The Natural Speaker
Connect ideas, express opinions, and speak Tamil more fluidly.
Level 5
The Social Speaker
Master real-life conversations so you can confidently speak with family and friends.
Spoken Tamil Essentials is structured across 5 levels, gradually building toward conversational fluency for beginners.
Each level runs 10-12 weeks with a small group of 8 students, and focuses on practical speaking skills used in everyday situations.
This Course Includes:
Everything you need to learn, practise and improve in between classes
-
Live interactive 2 hour lessons
-
Recordings if a session is missed
-
Weekly homework
-
Vocabulary decks with audio (in both Eelam and Indian Tamil dialects)
-
Additional learning resources
-
1:1 support outside of class
Who This Course Is For
This program is designed for people who:
• Are starting Tamil from scratch and want a clear, structured introduction
• Understand some Tamil but struggle to speak it fluently
• Often mix English and Tamil when trying to communicate
• Want to confidently speak with family and friends
This course is perfect for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in Tamil, whether you're starting from scratch or want to strengthen your existing skillset.
Please note: your instructor speaks Eelam (Sri Lankan) Tamil. However, dialect variations will be highlighted when applicable, and students will receive vocabulary decks with recorded audio in either a native Indian Tamil and Eelam Tamil dialect for practice.
Choose Your Class
Select the level and session that works best for you
Classes always follow Toronto time. If your city isn't listed below, check your local time here.
Level 1
Foundation Builder
Ideal for: True beginners, or learners who understand some Tamil but struggle to confidently form short sentences or pronounce words correctly
What You Will Learn
Over 12 weeks, you'll learn: ✓ The Tamil alphabet and its sounds ✓ Commonly mispronounced sounds ✓ Singular and plural forms ✓ Adjectives and pronouns ✓ To build short sentences with confidence ✓ To form simple questions ✓ Differences between spoken and written Tamil ✓ Tamil dialect variations ✓ Tamil philosophies and worldview embedded in the language
Level 2
Sentence Maker
Ideal for: Learners familiar with the Tamil alphabet and its sounds, and who can describe things through simple sentences, but have not learnt or struggle with verb conjugations and speaking fluidly.
What You Will Learn
Over 10 weeks, you'll learn: ✓ Present and past tense verb conjugations ✓ Asking and answering questions naturally ✓ Core grammar including but not limited to: ◦ Locative Case ("in / at / on") ◦ Dative Case ("to / for") ◦ Conjunction Suffix ("and") ✓ Expanding vocabulary for everyday situations ✓ Real-life conversations (shopping, family visits, travel) ✓ Number usage (prices, age) ✓ Improving pronunciation and sentence flow
Level 3
Conversation Builder
Ideal for: Learners who have completed Level 2 or already have a solid understanding of the present and past tenses, and want to expand their core grammar knowledge while applying it more naturally in conversation.
What You Will Learn
Over 10 weeks, you'll learn: ✓ A detailed focus on the future tense ✓ Using the past, present, and future tenses naturally ✓ Expressing feelings, wants, needs, and preferences (எனக்கு...) ✓ Core grammar including: ◦ Dative Case II ("for the sake of") ◦ Social Case ("with") ✓ Real-life conversations: making plans, eating out, and daily life ✓ Combining ideas into longer, more natural conversations ✓ Negating the past, present, and future tenses ✓ Telling time and using numbers naturally (age, years, prices) ✓ Improving sentence flow and speaking with confidence
Input the Toronto time, to see what time the class runs in your city (timezone) here.
Note sure which level is right for you?
Email me a few sentences about your Tamil experience, or a quick voice note, and I'll recommend the best starting level for you.
Course Agreement
By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
-
Personal Use of Course Materials
I understand that all course materials provided (including PDFs, homework, and other resources) are for my personal use only. I agree not to copy, distribute, or share these materials with others in any form. -
Non-Refundable Payment I understand that all course fees are non-refundable once payment has been made. This includes situations where I am unable to attend some or all of the sessions. However, in the case of extenuating circumstances, I may contact the instructor to discuss possible alternatives such as transferring to a future session.
-
Active Participation
I understand that my progress in the course depends on my consistent effort, practice, and completion of homework outside of class. The instructor will provide guidance and resources, but it is my responsibility to actively engage with the material. -
Instructor Rescheduling
I understand that in the event of an unforeseen circumstance or emergency, the instructor reserves the right to reschedule a class session or course start date. Any rescheduled sessions will be communicated promptly, and every effort will be made to find a suitable alternative date.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I don't see my city listed above?
You can check what time the class will run in your city in 2 simple steps:
-
Go to this website and input the Date and Toronto Time of the session you wish to join
-
Then select your city where it says location and hit convert time to check what time this would be for you.
If you are confused please email us we can help.
Are lessons recorded?
Recordings are available for students who miss a session due to emergencies or conflicts. Please note: live participation is essential for language learning - recordings are a backup, not a replacement for attending.
Are lesson recordings posted publicly?
No. Learning something new can be intimidating. We want everyone to feel safe and confident, without pressure or fear of judgment.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, please reach out to split your payment to whatyoumissedintamilclass@gmail.com
Do I have to start at Level 1?
No you can start your Tamil speaking journey based on your background at either Level 1 or 2. If you are unsure what level is right for you, please contact us.
The session I want is sold out, when will new sessions start?
New sessions will start in January 2027. Subscribe to the free newsletter to be the first to hear when registration opens.
I want to learn formal Tamil (reading and writing), do you offer any lessons for that?
Fill out the interest form here and we will get back to you with options.