[Ilugc] Tamil translation for "free software"
- From: ramanraj@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Ramanraj K)
- Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 14:54:03 +0530
Richard Stallman wrote:
rahulsundaram@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
2) The appropriate equivalent of the word freedom in
Tamil is 'sudanthiram' rather than 'viduthalai' as
mentioned here
(http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html).
Do people agree?
'Sudanthiram' is the more appropriate equivalent in Tamil for 'freedom'.
'Viduthalai' means release from bondage. Since the point is to find an
equivalent for 'free software', we may have to search further.
In Tamil, software is called 'menporul'. 'men' is derived from 'menmai'
meaning 'soft', and 'pourl' meaning 'meaning', 'substance', or 'wares'.
Free Software could be called 'sudanthira menporul' but does not sound
good. 'ilavasam' exactly means free without price, and 'ilavasa
menporul' is not the expression we would want to use.
Freedom without restrictions is often conveyed with 'kattatra sudanthiram'.
'kattatra menporul' would be closest equivalent to 'free software' in Tamil.
'kattu' means 'restriction' and 'kattatra' means 'without restriction'.
The root meaning of 'kattu' is to tie together, to bond together, and
this results in a 'construction'. By constructing, we restrict and
control. 'kattu maram' (catamaran - in English) means the raft or
float of logs (maram) tied side by side. 'kattidam' is naturally a
building. Well, we can build may words and expressions this way with
'kattu' [pun unintended] 'Anai kattu' means a dam - a restriction that
stores water. But freedom is more meaningful without restrictions, and
the adage is therefore 'kattatra sudanthiram' - freedom without
restrictions. Likewise, 'kattatra menporul' - software without
restrictions - could be a suitable equivant for 'free software'.
Every Tamil probably has a poet hiding in him, and 'kattatra menporul'
would allow lot of play with words.
'kattu' means to build, to compose, to bundle, to pack, firm, solid, and
enjoys many more meanings that could convey various aspects of free
software. 'kattatra menporul' could directly mean the (unbuilt!) source
code, that we usually download and build. 'kattum' means reasonable and
affordable.
'kattatra menporul kattu' - free software package
'kattatra menporul namakku kattum' - free software is reasonable and
suits us.
'kattana menporul' - this is solid (and even attractive!) code
Is there a better expression than 'kattatra menporul' for 'free
software' in Tamil?
Other related posts:
- » [Ilugc] Tamil translation for "free software" - Ramanraj K
