• Translation of texts from and into Tibetan
• Guidance for research students
• Courses in Buddhist philosophy taught by highly qualified masters
• Courses in classical and colloquial Tibetan language
The Research and Translation Department provides vital services to the Publication Department of the institution and supports scholarly research in all fields of Tibetan thought.
The department is staffed by resident Tibetan scholars who are assisted in their work by native English speakers. The team translates texts for the Publication Department, generally on the subjects of Tibetan religion, history and culture. LTWA translators also provide services for other branches of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala.
The department assists and provides research guidance to the scholars who visit the LTWA. The highly qualified library staff includes scholars who have graduated from traditional Tibetan monasteries and others who have trained in contemporary universities throughout the world.
The Centre for Tibetan Studies
The Research and Translation Department also administers the Centre for Tibetan Studies, recognized by the Himachal Pradesh University, India. The centre offers courses for the growing number of people interested in the Tibetan language and philosophy. Classes were first taught in 1971 and have grown steadily in scope and attendance ever since. This work is an important aspect of the library's effort to nurture an appreciation and understanding of Tibetan culture.
Classes in Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy meet five or six days a week, with two courses of each run concurrently. Language classes are conducted over three terms of three months each, while the duration of philosophy courses depends on the texts being studied. The academic year is ten months long, running from March to December. An annual class schedule is published. Each year, full-term intensive courses in Tibetan language and literary appreciation are also conducted for members of the Central Tibetan Administration and allied institutions.
Philosophy classes are taught by Geshes (lamas holding Buddhist doctorates) who are selected for their experience and good reputation. Their teachings are generally offered in Tibetan and translated into English by experienced interpreters. Classical Tibetan and Indian Buddhist texts are selected as the focus of study in order to provide students with a firsthand knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, psychology and ethics. The student body typically includes Tibetan and foreign students, as well as postgraduate scholars. Classes include meditation practice, lectures and discussion of texts and scriptures. These courses are popular, with an around 50 students attending each one.
Tibetan language classes range from beginners to advanced and cover spoken and written Tibetan, aspects of grammar and idiomatic speech. The classes are intended to provide a linguistic launching pad, better equipping students for the study of Tibetan culture and religion. Class sizes average a comfortable fifteen to twenty students.
For more information  E-MAIL DEPARTMENT HEAD (Mr. Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam)
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