Introduction
For those seeking a more complete understanding of the study texts, we offer Tibetan Language Instruction at various levels. Our daily classes provide an important opportunity for interested students to learn this classical language while pursuing their Dharma studies. The cost of Tibetan Language Instruction is included in the course fee.
The Tibetan classes are ongoing and taught side by side the Buddhist Philosophy courses beginning in June. Students who arrive after the term has begun can join a class in progress that is most appropriate to their level of experience. We will also run an intensive Translator Training beginning on Oct. 1, 2009. If you want to stay informed, send us your email.
Tibetan 101 - Colloquial
This course follows the Manual of Standard Tibetan as its principal text up to Chapter 25. The classes begin by teaching the reading, writing and pronunciation of the Tibetan Alphabet. As the course progresses students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary, fundamentals of Tibetan grammar, sentence structure and colloquial dialogs. This class meets one hour a day, five days a week for up to 3 months each year.
This course focuses primarily on Colloquial Tibetan although the instructor will also incorporate elements of Classical Tibetan. Students can buy a copy of the Manual of Standard Tibetan to review before attending the class or they can purchase the text at the IBA. Tournadre, Nicolas (2003) Manual of Standard Tibetan, Snow Lion Publications.
Tibetan 102 - Colloquial
This course follows the Manual of Standard Tibetan as its principal text from Chapter 21 to the end. After short review of the material that is generally covered in Tibetan 101, students continue to study the dialogues in the book, chapter by chapter. The prerequisite for this class is having taken Tibetan 101 or possessing the equivalent knowledge. This class meets one hour a day, five days a week for up to 3 months each year.
This course focuses primarily on Colloquial Tibetan although the instructor will also incorporate elements of Classical Tibetan and introduce Dharma vocabulary. Students can buy a copy of the Manual of Standard Tibetan to review before attending the class or they can purchase the text at the IBA. Tournadre, Nicolas (2003) Manual of Standard Tibetan, Snow Lion Publications.
Tibetan 201 – Aural Comprehension
The format of the class will be a lively teaching in Tibetan with questions and answers. The khenpo will teach a brief Dharma lesson each day with simple words. Students can request clarifications in Tibetan. To participate in the course, students should have a basic understanding of spoken Tibetan. It is also possible to attend the class silently as a non-participating student absorbing the material.
Tibetan 202 - Introduction to Translation
This is hands-on learning in a collaborative effort to translate short Dharma texts or sections of the text being taught in the philosophy class. The class meets 3 times a week for one hour. Students work on translating sections of the text as homework and meet during class time to compare the students’ translation efforts. The instructor compares different possible interpretations and explains the unique sentence structure of classical Tibetan, the new vocabulary and its usage.
The prerequisite for this course is sufficient grammar knowledge to translate basic classical Tibetan sentences with the help of a dictionary. It is also possible to attend the class silently as a non-participating student absorbing the material. Translation text is provided by the IBA.
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