Study the world's languages, online.
Sarva Lingua is an online institute for the study of classical and modern languages. We offer university-level coursesâdesigned for students, researchers, and lifelong learners who wish to explore the languages that shaped the world.
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§ 01 · Our Approach
Language study as a humanistic practice.
I.
Philological precision
Careful attention to grammar, style, and textual interpretationâthe foundation of serious reading.
II.
Textual engagement
Students read original sources in their original languagesâthe BhagavadgÄ«tÄ, Plato, the Analects, the Qur'Änânever in translation alone.
III.
Cultural immersion
Every course situates language within its historical, literary, philosophical, and cultural worlds.
IV.
Scholarly accessibility
Rigor without gatekeeping. Student-centered learning. Complex material taught in a clear, structured, and humane format.
§ 02 · Course Catalogue
Live cohorts, self-paced study.
From elementary â advanced, explore our catalogue of classical and modern languages. Click the links below to learn about our different learning tracks.Â
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Sanskrit
The most comprehensive online Sanskrit curriculum in the world. From DevanÄgarÄ« to the BhagavadgÄ«tÄ, progress through our flagship series of courses in Classical, Epic, Vedic, and Modern Spoken Sanskrit. Read the great texts and genres of the Sanskrit tradition, including: epic, grammar (vyÄkaraáča), narrative (kathÄ), philosophy (ĆÄstra), and poetry (kÄvya).
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PÄli
Enter the language of the earliest canonical collection of Buddhist scriptures. Our focus will be quickly developing your ability to read sutta literature in the original language. Students build towards readings from the DÄ«gha and Majjhima NikÄyas.
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Tibetan
Access the Tibetan canon of Buddhist literature. Learn the Tibetan alphabet, grammar, how to read, translate, and use the Wylie system of transliteration. Begin to read selections from the "Words of the Buddha" (kangyur) and "Commentaries" (tengyur).
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Hindi
Our series in modern Hindi starts from the basics, developing studentsâ linguistic (grammar and vocabulary), communicative (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) skills, and cultural competence. Students will learn the DevanÄgarÄ« alphabet. The series is aimed at students looking to travel and communicate in India, begin translation work, engage with Hindi-language films, and more.
Lat.
Latin
Our foundational series in Classical Latin. Students progress to read the writings of Ovid and Seneca.Â
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Greek
Our foundational series in Attic Greek. Students progress to read Platoâs Apology of Socrates and Antigone of Sophocles.
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Classical Chinese
æèš wĂ©nyĂĄn as a literary language. Students progress to read the Analects, the DĂ odĂ© JÄ«ng, and selections from Zhuangzi and Mencius.
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Classical Arabic
The language of the Qur'Än and the classical Arabic literary tradition. Extensive attention to morphology (áčŁarf) and syntax (naáž„w).
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Additional languages are in development for 2027-28.
Join the mailing list for the latest announcements. If there is a particular language you'd like to see offered, let us know at [email protected].
§ 03 · Our Students
A community of readers, researchers, and lifelong learners.
Dr. Ruppel is without a doubt one of the finest teachers I've ever encountered, in any subject. SKT 101 was superbly organized and I'm immensely grateful for the ease of use and especially the recordings which allowed me to attend classes I otherwise could not have done."
â Jeffrey Kahane, Professor of Keyboard Studies, University of Southern California, PhD Student Classics, USC
This course was remarkable. It expanded my Hindi vocabulary and allowed me to comprehend proper grammar and sentence structure according to native Hindi speakers. Iâm grateful for Dr. Ranjan's expert guidance throughout this course."
â Saint Adeogba, DN, PhD, Yoga Professor
I tried for years to learn Pali by reading books; I made little progress. But Pali 101 with Dr. Ruiz-Falqués has been a great experience. His materials and lectures introduced the grammar slowly and clearly. His kind and easy nature encouraged and motivated me even when I was struggling. He added a great deal of interesting information regarding Buddhist history and philosophy. And ultimately, the course has given me enough knowledge of the Pali language to enjoy more deeply the Pali chanting that I do in my Buddhist practice."
â Sherie Lindamood, Guang Ming Temple, Florida
Take any and every course you can from Dr. Ruppel! She is a brilliant teacher, and I use that in both the American and British senses. I would take Pig Latin if she were teaching it. I particularly recommend the course to anyone interested in how languages are related to one another, or in how they work, or simply in ancient languages. As a Hispanist, I would particularly recommend it to anyone interested in Romance languages, even if they haven't had Sanskrit."
â ThĂ©rĂšse Marie Mirande, PhD, Tacoma, Washington
If you want to quickly become able to read Tibetan texts and prayers in the original, this is the class for you... Kunsang integrates a thorough command of Tibetan with a deep philosophical understanding and a sweet presentation using a traditional Tibetan method that leads to rapid discovery."
â Dirk Johnson, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
§ 04 · Frequently Asked
