Distance learning in Lithuanian

Today spoken by some 3.5 million people worldwide, Lithuanian is the last of the Baltic languages, along with Latvian. Lithuanian has remarkably preserved a number of features inherited from ancient Indo-European that have been lost in other languages, making it an essential object of study for linguists. But Lithuanian is also a living modern language, with all the resources needed to reflect the contemporary world. Inalco is the only French institution to offer a complete course in Lithuanian. The curriculum combines in-depth study of the language with that of Lithuanian geography, history, culture and literature.

The language and civilization diplomas form a coherent four-year curriculum. Each year of study leads to the award of a diploma: DLC 1, 2, 3 and 4 (only DLC1, 2, 3 are accessible by distance learning).

The aim of the course is to:

• equip students with linguistic skills that can be used directly for oral and written communication in Lithuanian, and for any research involving the use of Lithuanian sources (target proficiency level: A2 at end of 1st year, B1 at end of 2nd year and B2 at end of 3rd year) ;
• provide a general knowledge of Lithuanian history, culture and society, in order to gain access to the country's cultural references and social codes, a prerequisite for communicating freely with Lithuanian speakers. 

Find out more about teaching Lithuanian at Inalco

This course is designed primarily for people not seeking a national diploma but wishing to learn Lithuanian in depth and acquire a solid knowledge of Lithuania and its culture.

First-year courses are designed for absolute beginners. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Those who already have some knowledge of the language can apply for direct admission to DLC 2, 3 or 4, depending on their level (check with the training coordinator).

DLC1 Lithuanian studies

Semesters 1 and 2
 

• Grammar:
  Grammar 1 and 2
  Grammar exercises 1 and 2

   

• Civilization (one of 3 courses taught):
  Lithuanian history 1 and 2
  Lithuanian geography 1 and 2
  Lithuanian culture and folklore 1 and 2

   

• Language groups:
  Phonetics and Laboratory 1 and 2
  Oral practice 1 and 2
  Written practice 1 and 2

• recordings of texts, grammar lessons in film form and course materials for grammatical exercises and written expression available on Inalco's Moodle platform;
• synchronous video-conferencing courses in oral expression and civilization.

Knowledge assessment is by default continuous assessment. As part of distance learning, homework assignments are requested every week, as are regular tests by videoconference. End-of-semester exams are held in person at Inalco.