Core polite words. Vanakkam with hands folded to chest for elders, temple meeting. Not namaste but similar. Valadhu kai right hand only for giving money, eating, receiving.

Actions of respect. Remove seruppu outside house and temple – seruppu veliye vidunga leave outside. Thalaiyattu head wobble multi meanings – sideways quick yes, maybe, understanding. Context read.

Etiquette rules:

• Entering home: seruppu velila? Ask seruppa enga vidanum?
• Giving: right hand or both, left alone rude.
• Eating: wait elders start says saapidunga.
• Sitting: don’t point foot to elder or pooja corner.
• Talk: don’t interrupt periyavanga, use neenga.

Pronunciation Tips:

• Mariyaadhai – ma-ri-yaa-dhai respect long aa.
• Periyavanga – pe-ri-ya-van-ga elders plural.
• Valadhu – va-la-dhu right soft dh.
• Thalaiyaattu – tha-lai-yaat-tu head wobble double tt.
• Vaai moodi – vaai moo-di mouth closed.

Common Mistakes:

• Shaking hand with elder who folds? Follow they – if they fold you fold.
• Left hand giving cash to shop – use right or both.
• Calling elder nee? Use neenga always until they say nee okay.
• Pointing foot to god picture – sit cross leg but feet away.

Cultural Note: Tamil respect visible in language plural. Even one elder called avanga vanthaanga they came. Eating sound slurp no but mouth closed vaai moodi? Actually no lipsm? Filter coffee slurp allowed? Leaning? Elders blessing by patting head thalai thottu aasirvadham. Feet touch for respect during festivals rarely young touch elder feet? Some families.

Practice:

1. Greet elder: Ayya vanakkam, epdi irukeenga?
2. Shoes: Seruppu enga vidanum?
3. Offer: Valadhu kaiyila vaanga.
4. Eat: Saapda vara? Wait amma says saapidunga then start.
5. Head wobble: Practice yes slow and quick.