Distance learning Language Diploma in Tibetan
INALCO offers 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. The courses are structured around the four main skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing and speaking. The distance learning Tibetan Language 1 diploma is intended for people who do not live in Paris and cannot attend classes in person. The courses are identical to the Tibetan LLCER Bachelor's degree language courses.
INALCO offers 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. The courses are structured around the four main skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing and speaking. The method focuses on everyday communication situations (introductions, meetings, family, spatial orientation, everyday activities, religion, future prospects, memories) through dialogues or monologues developed with native speakers. Basic grammar points of spoken Tibetan are covered throughout the lessons. Each lesson provides an opportunity to learn around 40 new words. By the end of the academic year (September to April), students will have memorised 800 to 1,000 words and learned the basics necessary to hold a conversation on everyday topics and acquire the basics for writing and reading on these topics. Interactive online resources (dialogues, exercises) are offered each week to guide and support learning.
These online courses are adapted from the exercises in Spoken Tibetan 1 (Presses de l'Inalco, 2023) and Spoken Tibetan 2 (Presses de l'Inalco, 2026). It is advisable to purchase these two volumes, as well as the Standard Tibetan Manual by N. Tournadre and Sangda Dorje (L'Asiathèque, 2024) for additional explanations.
Target audience
Target audience
This one-year course is primarily aimed at people seeking to acquire a solid foundation in spoken and written Tibetan for everyday communication, but who are unable to attend classes in Paris. Students are encouraged to come to Paris to attend one or two face-to-face sessions per term, alongside other students on the same course. If this is not possible for compelling reasons, please contact the course coordinator before enrolling.
The courses are designed for complete beginners. No prior knowledge of the language is therefore required. As the pace of learning is fast, it is essential to ensure, before enrolling, that you can set aside the necessary time for self-study using the online resources.
Program
Program
Start of courses: see University calendar
DL1 in Tibetan
Semester 1
- Aural comprehension of Tibetan 1
- Aural expression in Tibetan 1
- Written comprehension of Tibetan 1
- Written expression in Tibetan 1
- Tibetan vocabulary 1
Semester 2
- Tibetan listening comprehension 2
- Tibetan speaking comprehension 2
- Tibetan writing comprehension 2
- Tibetan writing comprehension 2
- Tibetan vocabulary 2
Teaching methods
Teaching methods
- Synchronous distance learning, with the face-to-face group
- Self-teaching with self-corrected exercises on Moodle
- Registrations and group tutoring
Evaluation method
Evaluation method
Assessment takes place online as part of the continuous assessment system (weekly assessments). It consists of online tests and exercises, as well as videoconference sessions. Provided they pass the exams, students will be able to obtain a Tibetan language qualification at Level L1. At present, Level L2 is not yet available via distance learning.