Introduction to Tibetan (Classical) - Part 1
The first term of a two-term course for those who wish to be able to read Tibetan Buddhist texts in the original script and to understand directly what is being read.
Duration:
20 hours per term; 2 hours a week for 10 weeks per term
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Description
This SOAS Language Centre course in the Less Widely Taught (LWT) language of Tibetan is designed to give participants the ability to read and understand Tibetan Buddhist texts in the original script.
Note that this course is envisaged as the first of two terms of twenty-hours each, the second term to be scheduled in January-March 2013.
The aim is to be able to read aloud Tibetan prayers, liturgies, meditation rituals and religious poetry, and also have some immediate understanding of their meaning. Thus a practitioner eventually will not have to rely on transcriptions and translations of Tibetan Buddhist material, but will be able to relate to the original directly.
The course takes the form of first learning the Tibetan script and how words are formed and pronounced, then practising the reading of a graduated series of Tibetan Buddhist practice texts. As reading progresses, the meaning and structure of the language used in the readings will be explained. Gradually the participants will learn to read aloud well and know what is being said. The readings are carefully chosen to accommodate a diversity of interests.
This course assumes no existing knowledge of the language and no assessment is therefore required prior to application. Prospective students are welcome to contact the tutor with any queries about the course before registering (Charles Manson cm48@soas.ac.uk ).
Method
The course is taught in English and Tibetan. Class size is limited to 15 to allow close involvement.
Summary of course contents
- Introducing Tibetan script
- Word formation
- Pronunciation
- Reading aloud, at graduated speeds
- Learning the meaning of the readings with grammatical explanations
- Overview of relevant vocabulary and grammar
Fees for this Course
The fee for each ten-week term is £295 payable in advance.
Terms and Conditions
See our terms and conditions of payment before enrolling on the course.
How to Apply for this Course
You can apply and pay online or by post.
Classes may fill up quickly. In some cases, additional classes are set up. It is best to apply early in order to avoid disappointment.
Materials
Course materials for learning the script and the language will be provided, and also the material to be read will be provided. There may be some small costs for photocopying.
You are advised not to purchase course materials until your course has been confirmed.
Timetable
The course is taught in a group with a maximum of 15 students. Classes will be held at the Bloomsbury or Kings Cross Campus of SOAS in central London. For each of the two terms participants receive 20 hours of tuition over a 10-week period (with additional weeks where public holidays displace a class session).
