Languages
Languages of North & Northeast Africa; West, Central & South Asia offered at The Ohio State University
- Distinguish yourself with some of today’s most highly-demanded language skills.
- Learn more about these areas of the world: North & Northeast Africa; West, Central & South Asia, while fulfilling GEC requirements.
- FAQ
The Middle Eastern languages offered at OSU are Arabic, Hebrew, Persian and Turkish. In addition, languages close the cultural sphere of the Middle East and Islamic World are Uzbek (a Turkic language), Urdu, and Somali. The Near Eastern Languages and Cultures Department (NELC) houses all of those language, except for Somali which is offered through the African American and African Studies Department. In addition, NELC offers Hindi, another important South Asian language in addition to Urdu. The Middle East Studies Center (MESC) supports them in a number of ways, including funding, Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships, and proficiency testing. However, MESC is not the enrolling unit. Several of these languages offer GEC-fulfilling courses.
Information on Less Commonly Taught Languages offered nation-wide, check the searchable database offered by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota: http://www.carla.umn.edu/lctl/db/index.html
FAQ on Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL)
What do I stand to gain from studying a LCTL?
Personal development. Americans have so much privilege in the world; experiencing a language class can provide one with a better understanding of what it would be like to not speak a dominant language. The process of learning a language builds character and is an important aspect of personal development. It will humble you and get you out of your comfort zone which is very important for success in all aspects of life.
Marketable Experience. In times of economic uncertainly and higher than average unemployment, what could set a recent graduate apart like having knowledge of a strategically important Less Commonly Taught Language? Not only will you stand out for most jobs you are considering, you also may be eligible for other positions which require knowledge of a LCTL.
What will I learn about human experience in the age of globalization?
You will become more understanding of the immigrant experience. If you have a parent or grandparents who spoke a language other than English as their Mother tongue, studying that language could be a rewarding path for you as well.
You will have a key insight into global cultures. Language is an indepensible part of culture, and knowing a particular culture’s language will give you a definite advantage when it comes to understanding and empathizing with people from around the world.
How will a LCTL improve my academic standing?
Studying a language leads to better area knowledge, so you will know about the part of the world where the language is spoken. Language study has to come with area and cultural knowledge so that the student acquires an understanding of the contextual meanings of words. You need to understand the historical, geographical, and social information of an area in order to arrive at the full meaning of the texts you are reading.
If you plan to go to graduate school, research languages will be critical for up-to-date scholarship – knowledge is generated everywhere in the world, in every language.
What are the practical benefits of studying a LCTL?
It is important for your experience abroad. You will have an easier time making yourself understood, even with very little knowledge of the language, if you arrive in a country with some ability to speak with the locals in their own tongue. The unspoken message is that you respect the culture and you do not assume that because you are from a powerful country everyone must accommodate your language needs. This, along with cultural sensitivity will allow you to be much more successful in any projects in foreign countries, and will make the experience much more profound.
What if I put in the time, but do not end up fluent?
Your ability will not go to waste.
- It is likely you will retain a reading ability, which can be very useful in research or if you get a chance to visit the area.
- You will find your speaking ability develops quickly when you are immersed in the culture which speaks the language you studied or are studying.
- The Language study is still appropriate to put on a resume.
- You can eventually go back to studying it and you will benefit from what you learned before.
- Every time you study a new language it becomes easier.
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