Distance learning degree in Tibetan

Inalco is offering an intensive distance learning course in “common” Tibetan, i.e. the language spoken among the diaspora and the language of communication in Tibet and in exile. Courses are structured around four main skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The method focuses on everyday communication situations (introductions, meetings, family, orientation in space, current activities, religion, future prospects, memories), through dialogues or monologues developed with native speakers. Each lesson covers the basic grammar of spoken Tibetan. Each lesson is an opportunity to learn around forty new words. At the end of a year's course, students will have memorized 800 to 1000 words and learned the basics needed to conduct a conversation on everyday topics, as well as acquiring the fundamentals to write about these topics in Tibetan. 

These online courses are an adaptation of the exercises proposed in Tibétain parlé 1 (Presses de l'Inalco, 2023) and Tibétain parlé 2 (Presses de l'Inalco, forthcoming). Both volumes are recommended, as is the Manuel de tibétain standard by N. Tournadre and Sangda Dorje (L'Asiathèque, 2009) for further explanations.

More information on teaching Tibetan at Inalco

This course is designed primarily for people who wish to acquire a solid grounding in spoken and written Tibetan for everyday communication, but are unable to attend classes in Paris. Students undertake to attend two face-to-face sessions per semester in Paris, with other students following the same course. If this is not possible, please contact the course coordinator before enrolling.

Courses are designed for absolute beginners. No prior knowledge of the language is required. 

DL1 in Tibetan

Semester 1

• Speaking in Tibetan 1
• Speaking in Tibetan 1
• Writing in Tibetan 1
• Writing in Tibetan 1
• Vocabulary in Tibetan 1

Semester 2

• Tibetan listening comprehension 2
• Tibetan speaking 2
• Tibetan reading comprehension 2
• Tibetan writing 2
• Tibetan vocabulary 2

• Synchronous distance learning, with face-to-face group
• Self-directed work with exercises on Moodle
• Recordings and group tutoring

Knowledge assessment is carried out online as part of full continuous assessment (weekly checks). This includes online tests and self-administered exercises, as well as interactive Zoom sessions. Provided they pass their exams, students can obtain a diploma in Tibetan language, level L1.

No waiver can be granted to take the final exam.