Buddhist Languages [ LGLOR2751 ]

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A good knowledge of Sanskrit is indispensable.

Alternating with LGLOR 2752, this course deals with the grammar and vocabulary of one of the Buddhist languages of southern or central Asia (Indo-Aryan, Middle Iranian or Tokharian) as well as reading and commentary of selected texts in this language.

An introduction to the Buddhist philology, axed on the ancient languages of south or central Asia. At the end of this course, the student will be able to read and interpret original Buddhist texts in one of the languages studied.

Oral exam.

Lectures (given over to the grammar and vocabulary of the selected language) and reading and analysis of texts prepared by the student.

The course is devoted to one of the languages in which Buddhist texts were formerly composed or translated.

According to the year in question, the language will be either Indo-Aryan (Pâli, Gândhâri, Buddhist Sanskrit) of a Middle Iranian language (Khotanic, Sogdian) or Tokharian.

Students will be supplied with a syllabus.

Reference works:
- G. Pinault, Chrestomathie tokharienne. Textes et grammaire, Leuven-Paris, 2008.
- Th. Oberlies, Pali : a Grammar of the Language of the Theravada Tipitaka, Berlin, 2001.
- J. Brough, The Gandhari Dharmapada, London, 1962.
- T. Lenz, A New Version of the Gandhari Dharmapada and a Collection of Previous-Birth Stories, Seattle, 2003.
- B. Oguibénine, Initiation pratique à l'étude du sanskrit bouddhique, Paris, 1996.

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