Tibetiešu valodas specifika un mācību metodes Latvijā

Abstract

The article offers a unique study on Tibetan language teaching methods and the usage in Latvia. Nowadays, more and more Buddhist masters from Europe and India arrive in Latvia; they are visiting Tibetan delegations from the Tibet Autonomous Region of the PRC. That is why the demand of the Tibetan language in Latvia constantly increases. In Europe, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the classical Tibetan language was mainly studied. The grammar-translation method dominated in teaching and studies, so that language learners would be able to translate Buddhist scriptures. But now, in the 21st century, thanks to the globalization, many Latvians have come into direct contact with the Tibetan culture and Tibetans. Thus, there is a real need for conversational skills, which can be acquired in a formal or informal way through communicative methods. The article consists of three parts. In the first chapter a sociolinguistic approach is used to illustrate the topicality of the Tibetan language in the Latvian society. In the second chapter the main differences of Tibetan and Latvian languages are highlighted from the perspective of contrastive linguistics. But the most important is the third part of the research, which is based on the author’s personal pedagogic experience, as well as on the theoretical and statistical conclusions made in the first and second chapters. First, the learning environment and opportunities for learning the Tibetan language in Latvia are evaluated, then the possible teaching methods and types are analysed, but in the end the author enlists and evaluates the most important teaching materials.