This site is a starting point for exploring the options for language study at Penn, as well as for finding out more information about new language-related research and teaching projects.

Why do we believe it is important that our students study a language while they are at Penn? What should be different about language study in a university, or in a study abroad program?

Look here for some answers to these questions.

The University offers several pathways and incentives for the study of a language other than English, and for the study of the phenomenon of language itself. Undergraduate and graduate students are expected to fulfill LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS for graduation: these are satisfied in different ways for different schools and programs. College students also pursue the study of language in the context of departmental MAJORS OR MINORS, in FRENCH, ITALIAN, SPANISH, GREEK, LATIN, ASIAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES, COMPARATIVE LITERATURE, SOUTH ASIAN REGIONAL STUDIES, AFRICAN STUDIES, SLAVICS, and GERMANIC LANGUAGES, among others. College students may also obtain a LANGUAGE CERTIFICATE in any of these languages or those offered by PENN LANGUAGE CENTER. Any student may decide to study any of the “less commonly taught” languages offered by the PENN LANGUAGE CENTER. Finally, many students take the opportunity to do STUDY ABROAD in order to develop their language skills and their knowledge of different cultures.

Penn’s DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS provides multiple opportunities for the study of language at Penn. From this page you can also link to the many interesting WEB PROJECTS for language study that are currently sponsored here. You can also find out about the various LANGUAGE RESOURCES at Penn, including ongoing research projects, laboratories, and other venues for language study. You can also explore links to language learning centers around the globe.

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This site is mirrored at http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/language/ and http://larrc.sas.upenn.edu/language/
Updated 6/12/2000.