SUMMER SCHOOL of Oriental Languages (9-19 July 2025)

Summer School of Oriental Languages

July 9–19, 2025, Venice

The upcoming Summer School of Oriental Languages is organized by the University of Lausanne and held in Venice (Italy), from July 9 to 19, 2025.

All practical information regarding registration and ECTS requirements can be found on our website. Please note that the registration deadline is May 30, 2025.

The Summer School offers a wide range of courses at all levels in both modern and ancient languages, including Sanskrit. This year’s Sanskrit program includes both an introductory and an advanced course:

Sanskrit 1 (Beginner Level) – Philippe Swennen (Université de Liège)
This course is designed for complete beginners and requires no prior knowledge. It opens with an overview of the historical development of Sanskrit, illustrated through key texts. Students are introduced to the Sanskrit alphabet and practice transliteration. The course emphasizes phonetic changes (sandhi) and morphological structures. Original texts from the epics and classical literature are read, with an introduction to Vedic Sanskrit (e.g., through excerpts from the Upanishads) at the end of the course. All materials are provided.

Sanskrit 2 (Advanced Level) – Ingo Strauch (Université de Lausanne)
This course explores the use of Sanskrit in Indian inscriptions, providing an introduction to Indian epigraphy and paleography. It focuses on the evolution of the Brahmi script from the post-Maurya period to the Gupta era. Students work with critical editions and photographs to analyze inscriptions, learning to decipher, translate, and interpret a variety of texts, including royal decrees, administrative documents, and religious inscriptions. Special attention is given to recent discoveries in the field of Indian epigraphy. A basic knowledge of Sanskrit is required.

While the primary teaching language is French, instructors may adapt to the group’s needs and switch to another language if appropriate.