Tibetan is the most widely spoken language in the Himalaya; forms of Tibetan are in use all the way from Baltistan [Pakistan] to Sichuan [China]. It is the key to understanding the region’s rich culture, its religious traditions, and the social lives of its people. It was the target language of one of the largest translation projects in history, in which thousands of Indian and Chinese Buddhist texts were rendered in Tibetan. The results of this project provide scholars with access to texts and traditions not preserved anywhere else. Students who complete the Tibetan language minor will have obtained an intermediate level ability in speaking, reading, and writing the Tibetan language.
In these courses, the students will work through lessons in an interactive ETextbook, specifically designed for them. They also have access to online tutorials with a renowned Tibetan author.
Learning Outcomes
Read and write in Tibetan to an intermediate level.
Use colloquial and literary Tibetan language forms.
Use an active vocabulary of around 2000 words.
Read a wide variety of texts forms and use supporting materials at an intermediate level.
Recognise related Tibetic languages such as Kham Tibetan, Amdo Tibetan and Bhutanese with a beginners-intermediate level of comprehension
Other Information
Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to take a language proficiency assessment. As all courses in this Minor are compulsory, the Minor will not be applicable if the completion of the Language Proficiency Assessment establishes that the student's proficiency level is higher than TIBN1002 Tibetan 1.
Relevant past experience includes:
- Previous study of the language (both formal and informal, for example but not limited to, at school, or, home, or through online activities, etc.)
- Being exposed to the language in childhood via a family member or friend
- Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
- The language being spoken in your home (even if you do not speak it yourself)
Students who are not sure if they need to take a proficiency assessment should seek advice from the course or language convenor.
Students who intentionally misrepresent their language proficiency level may be investigated under the Academic Integrity Rule 2021 as having failed to comply with assessment directions and having sought unfair advantage. This may results in a penalty such as reduced grades or failure of the course.
Students are not permitted to enrol in a language course below one that they have already successfully completed, except with permission of the language and/or course convenor.
International students who are studying all or part of their program on a student visa are advised that this minor is only available for online study. Under the Education Services for Overseas Student Act 2000 (ESOS Act), international students on a student visa cannot do more than 33% of their study online. International students interested in enrolling in these courses should contact the CAP Student Centre (cap.student@anu.edu.au) for advice prior to enrolling.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
24 units from completion of the following course(s):
TIBN1002 Tibetan 1
TIBN1003 Tibetan 2
TIBN2004 Tibetan 3
TIBN2005 Tibetan 4
Back to the top
