Talking Tibetan: A Simbi Language Revitalization Project
3 Interesting Facts about the Tibetan Language that You Might Not Know:
1. The Tibetan alphabet has 30 letters.
Unlike Chinese characters, Tibetan scripts are made of alphabets, consonant clusters, vowel marks and numerals. The alphabet consists of 30 letters arranged in a logical order, and the syllables are written from left to right. Thonmi Sambhota introduced the scripts in the 7th century upon his return to Tibet from studying India’s writing art.
2. There are three main Tibetan dialects.
The Tibetan language is spoken in regional dialects. Generally speaking, there are three main dialects divided by the regions: the U-Tsang dialect is spoken in central Tibet (including Lhasa), Kham dialect is spoken in Kham, and Amdo dialect in Amdo. Although the dialects belong to the same language, it’s not surprising to see speakers of different dialects of Tibetan struggle to understand each other.
3. Written and spoken Tibetan can be very different.
Written or classical Tibetan can sometimes be totally different from colloquial or spoken Tibetan. The written language is based on Classical Tibetan, and it’s generally conservative. Spoken language is typically more casual; however, in central Tibet, depending on who is addressed or referred to in a spoken sentence, the usage of words may change to show respect. In general, religious leaders and elders are addressed in a reverent way.
An Important Language of Dharma
The Tibetan language is the primary mode of communication for six million Tibetan people worldwide. It is also the language of Buddha Dharma; when Buddhism was imported into neighbouring countries from India, it met a complex Tibetan culture with a rich terminology. As early as the eighth century, the 38th emperor of Tibet — Trisong Detsen (r.c. 755–797) sponsored a project to translate the Sanskrit Buddhist sutras and shastras into Classical Tibetan. This built the foundation to establish rich Buddhist systems of knowledge in Tibet. Although the original texts are in Sanskrit, many sadhanas and philosophical texts that were lost during turbulent events and political movements, now only exist in the Tibetan language.
Language, Culture, & Identity
Language is the primary form of expression, transmission, and adaptation of culture: language therefore shapes one’s cultural identity and personality. Language is passed on from one generation to the next through cultural community transmission. Currently, an increasing number of Tibetans are living in non-Tibetan speaking communities, making it challenging for adults to practice Tibetan, let alone teaching kids to speak and read the language. Over time, this — among other obstacles — has caused Tibetan to become an endangered language, threatening the culture and identity as a whole.
How Simbi Supports Learning Tibetan Online
Simbi is an online reading platform that motivates learners to read and narrate in languages, such as English and French, as well as endangered languages — in this case, Tibetan. Since August 2020, collaborating with Yangzom, a local young Tibetan woman — we have successfully launched 24 Tibetan children’s books (and counting) in four reading levels. All of these books are narrated in a verified U-Tsang dialect. Visit the Simbi Tibetan library here to read and listen to a story in this unique language!
Here’s how Simbi can help you read and share the Tibetan language:
- Free for any user to access the Tibetan Library and Global Library.
- Read Tibetan books online from anywhere.
- Read along with Simbi verified U-Tsang dialect readings.
- Narrate your readings and share with friends, parents, and teachers using an auto-generated URL.
- Advanced features for classrooms, schools, and reading experts.
With an understanding of the current challenges that Tibetan people face with language preservation and transmission, Simbi acts as a bridge between Tibetan language teachers, schools, and learners across geographic boundaries and political challenges.
Start reading on Simbi to help Tibetan and other endangered languages flourish!
