This is the same edition as 9789057890024 This Dzongkha textbook by George van Driem provides a practical introduction to the national language of Bhutan for both linguist and layman. The script, phonology and grammar of Dzongkha are explained at length in eight chapters. The phonological romanization officially known as Roman Dzongkha, employed throughout the book, makes the course suitable both for learners who wish to master the Bhutanese script as well as for those who wish to acquire only a spoken command of the language. Each chapter is followed by a section of translation and reading exercises with vocabulary lists. A description of the ethnolinguistic composition of the Himalayan kingdom is provided in an introduction. An answer key to the exercises and several appendices are to be found in the back of the book. The Dzongkha textbook comes with a set of audio compact disks in a multibox, containing a digital soundtrack narrated by a native speaker of the prestige dialect of Dzongkha from western Bhutan. Book and cd's are sold as a set and are not available separately. An essential book for anyone who wants to learn Dzongkha. incl. appendices & bibliogr. and 3 cd's