Tibetan is spoken by approximately eight million people, who live across a wide area of Central Asia, including the Tibetan Plateau and the northern Indian subcontinent in Baltistan, India, Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Western China. The classical Tibetan literary language has served since the eighth century as a major cultural, intellectual, and religious medium for societies across Asia—from the modern European state of Kalmykia at the western extreme to the Chinese capital of Peking at the eastern—and boasts an extensive and fascinating literature encompassing historical, medical, religious, and belletristic works.
While there are at least twenty-five distinct dialects of the modern spoken language, studies at Chicago focus upon the central Tibetan dialect (what is sometimes called “Standard Tibetan”) and the classical literary language. The course of study at the beginning levels lays particular emphasis upon modern colloquial and literary Tibetan, developing good pronunciation and oral communication skills. Upper level courses focus increasingly upon the classical language, developing proficiency in reading literature from a variety of literary genres and eras.
In addition to the language classes, course offerings on various aspects of Tibetan civilization are offered through the Department and the Divinity School. Funding for the study of Tibetan is available through a number of sources; please consult one of the faculty for options.
Instructors
- Matthew Kapstein, Emeritus Numata Visiting Professor of Tibetan Studies (3rd year, 4thyear, advanced)
- Karma Ngodup, Instructional Professor (all levels)
- Christian Wedemeyer, Associate Professor (3rd year, 4thyear, advanced)
Class Scheduling
- First-year Tibetan: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:30–11:50 am
- Second-year Tibetan: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:30–1:20 pm
- Third-year, Fourth-year, Advanced: TBA
Placement Exam
Students with a background in Tibetan prior to enrolling at UChicago who wish to be placed in higher sections of language study can complete the Tibetan placement exam online on Canvas. If you have any question, please contact Karma T. Ngodup to request to be added to the Canvas test site or, contact as appropriate, Professors Wedemeyer or Kapstein.
FAQ
I can speak and understand Tibetan, but can't read or write.
Please visit this page for information about our Tibetan Intensive program.
I already have some background in written/spoken Tibetan. What class should I take?
Please take the Tibetan placement exam prior to the commencement of classes (see the top of this page). Based on the results of your written and oral placement exam, the Tibetan instructors will determine the level of Tibetan best for you.
What if I have a potential schedule conflict?
Be sure to contact the instructor beforehand, explaining the nature of your conflict.
I’d like to audit/sit-in on a Tibetan class. Is that possible?
Unfortunately not. SALC does not permit auditors in any of the department’s language classes. Please register for the class.