COURSES

Classical Tibetan Language

Advanced Classical Tibetan 301

Instructor: Dr. Tenzin Ghegay

This advanced course continues the study of Classical Tibetan through close reading of traditional texts and detailed grammatical analysis. Students will refine their skills in translation, syntax, and vocabulary while working directly with important Tibetan literary works. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, comprehension, and confidence in reading complex classical material. Designed for experienced students, the course provides a structured path into advanced Tibetan language study.

Details

TBD
Online via Zoom
Prerequisite: Beginning & Intermediate Classical Tibetan

The Basics

Daily Structure & What to Expect

This advanced course is designed for students who have completed Beginning and Intermediate Classical Tibetan or have equivalent knowledge. The course builds on foundational grammar and develops greater fluency through the close reading of classical Tibetan texts.

Students will strengthen their reading, grammar, and vocabulary skills while studying important traditional works under the guidance of Dr. Tenzin Ghegay. Each session includes detailed explanation of grammatical structures, guided reading, and discussion to support deeper understanding of the language.

Course Structure

  • Weekly live online sessions (1.5 hours each)

  • Recordings available for review

  • Guided reading of classical Tibetan texts

  • Advanced grammar instruction and analysis

  • Course materials provided through Moodle

  • Instructor guidance and discussion during each session

Text Study Includes:

  • Sessions 1–4: The Thirty Verses by Thonmi Sambhota

  • Sessions 5–12: The Mirror which Clears Difficult Points

  • Focus on advanced grammar and verb structures

Session Format:

  • Guided reading of classical Tibetan texts

  • Explanation of grammar and vocabulary

  • Group discussion and analysis

What You’ll Learn

  • Advanced Classical Tibetan grammar and syntax

  • Increased vocabulary through direct text study

  • Confidence reading traditional Tibetan treatises

  • Deeper understanding of grammatical verse literature

  • Use of verbs and complex sentence structures

  • Skills for independent reading and interpretation of classical texts

Students should have completed Beginning and Intermediate Classical Tibetan or have equivalent experience, and be prepared to engage with advanced grammar and authentic Tibetan literature.

Tibetan Language Programs Team

SINI’s Tibetan Language Program includes an international team of dedicated native and non-native speakers delivering both Classical and Colloquial Tibetan courses through innovative teaching methods.

Franziska Oertle

Franziska Oertle

Director

Paul Wobig

Paul Wobig

Assistant Teacher

Tenzin Ghegay

Tenzin Ghegay

Teacher

Ania Sambroska

Ania Sambroska

Assistant Teacher

Tzoe Wong

Tzoe Wong

Registrar

Nat Thammamitr

Nat Thammamitr

Assistant Teacher

Lhakpa Tsering

Lhakpa Tsering

Teacher

Bhargavi Viswanath

Bhargavi Viswanath

Assistant

Alexandra Sukhanova

Alexandra Sukhanova

Teacher

Melissa Katz

Melissa Katz

Assistant

Pema Woeser

Pema Woeser

Assistant Teacher

Juan-Felipe Garcia Peña

Juan-Felipe Garcia Peña

Online Learning Developer