Switching non-English keyboard layouts and using Emacs shortcuts

[Shakthi Kannan]

Hi,

I am using GNU Emacs 24.3.1 on Ubuntu 14.10. I use the following to
switch between Dvorak and Tamil (native language) keyboard layouts
respectively:

  $ setxkbmap us -variant dvorak
  $ setxkbmap -layout in -variant tam_unicode

When using the Tamil keyboard layout, I am able to enter unicode
characters, but, the Emacs shortcuts do not work anymore. The message
that I get when I want to move to the beginning of the line is "C-ய is
undefined" (equivalent of C-a in Dvorak layout).

I can switch to the Dvorak layout, use Emacs shortcuts and then switch
back to enter unicode characters, but this is tedious.

#1 Is there a way to program Emacs such that when I press "C-", then
any key that follows needs to be interpreted from the Dvorak layout?

#2 How do other people who use non-English layouts use Emacs shortcuts
with their native language input method?

Appreciate any help in this regard,

Thanks!

SK

-- 
Shakthi Kannan
http://www.shakthimaan.com