Distance learning degree in Tibetan

Inalco is offering a distance introduction to "common" Tibetan, i.e. the language spoken among the diaspora and the language of communication both in Tibet and in exile. Courses are structured around the 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 common words, learned the basics needed to carry on a conversation on everyday topics, and written Tibetan at beginner level. At the end of two semesters, students will be able to validate an L1-level Tibetan language diploma.

The online courses are an adaptation of the exercises proposed in Tibétain parlé Volume 1 (Presses de l'Inalco, 2023) and Tibétain parlé Volume 2 (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 seeking to acquire a solid grounding in spoken and written Tibetan for everyday communication, but who are unable to attend courses in Paris.

The courses are designed for absolute beginners. No prior knowledge of the language is therefore required.

DL1 in Tibetan

Semester 1

• Speaking in Tibetan 1, 2
• Speaking in Tibetan 1, 2
• Writing in Tibetan 1, 2
• Writing in Tibetan 1, 2
• Vocabulary in Tibetan 1, 2

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
• Videos and 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.

No waiver can be granted to take the final exam.

Students choosing this option agree to travel to Paris twice a semester to review their progress with their teachers. These sessions in Paris are compulsory (except in cases of force majeure, to be discussed with the teachers).