Introducing Classical Tibetan – Online Course

This information is not for current students of the University of Edinburgh. Registered students should take level 8, 10, or 11

Available in person or online – Begins Mid-September 2025 – 20 credits (SCQF Level 7)

This course aimed at absolute beginners provides an introduction to Classical Tibetan, focusing on its grammatical structures, syntax, and translation methods. Students will engage with Tibetan script, phonetics, and foundational grammar, progressively building the skills necessary to read and interpret Classical Tibetan texts. The course will combine structured language instruction and translation exercises with discussions of key linguistic and philosophical concepts.

The course will begin with an introduction to the Tibetan script and phonetics, ensuring students develop a solid foundation in reading and pronunciation. It will then progress to basic grammatical structures, covering nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and particles, allowing students to construct and comprehend simple sentences. In addition, sentence formation and comprehension exercises will reinforce these concepts, helping students gain confidence in reading and interpreting Classical Tibetan. 

The course will also introduce common Buddhist terminology and expressions, providing essential vocabulary for engaging with Tibetan Buddhist texts. Furthermore, students will learn fundamental translation techniques and syntax analysis, enabling them to navigate complex sentence structures and understand the nuances of translation. 

Finally, they will critically engage with selected short Classical Tibetan texts. By the end of the course, students will have developed the linguistic skills necessary for further study and independent engagement with Tibetan literature and Buddhist traditions.

• Online Materials: Pre-recorded instructions, hand-outs and activities to be done online.
• Live Seminar/Tutorial Hours: 2 hours per class week – (join online or in-person).
• Homework & Independent Study: Regular assignments reinforcing learning.

Mid-term test (20%) – The mid-term test will assess students’ ability to transcribe Tibetan into Wylie, use online dictionaries and translation tools, and consolidate grammar learned up to that point to produce accurate translations. all submitted work must be the student’s own. (On October 16, Thursday)

Independent Translation (30%) – A 500 word translation assignment of a short passage with grammatical analysis. Students must declare that all work submitted for this assignment is their own. (Due by November 14, Friday)

Final Online Exam (50%) – Assesses comprehension, basic translation, and application of linguistic tools. Date: TBD.

Complete the online application form via ePay.

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School of Divinity Short Courses Terms and Conditions

This course is offered with support from the Khyentse Foundation and in partnership with the Edinburgh Centre for Buddhist Studies.