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The Tamil language originates from the Proto-Dravidian language, believed to have been spoken around the third millennium BCE in the southern Indian region, and is considered one of the oldest classical languages still spoken today; its earliest written records date back to the 3rd century BCE, with the "Old Tamil" period spanning from 300 BCE to 700 CE, followed by Middle Tamil and Modern Tamil eras

Yes, according to linguistic evidence, Tamil is considered a pre-Sanskrit language, meaning it existed and developed before Sanskrit, with records of Tamil literature dating back further than those of Sanskrit; Tamil belongs to the Dravidian language family while Sanskrit is Indo-European, making them distinct linguistic origins. 

The advantages of the Tamil language include its rich ancient history and literature, status as a classical language, potential for cultural understanding, a large number of speakers across various regions, and its ability to foster connections with Tamil culture and traditions across the globe; learning Tamil can provide insight into a diverse cultural perspective and enhance cognitive empathy.