World Languages Program*
Department of Linguistics
College of Arts and Sciences
609 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1030
Phone: 716.645.2177
Fax: 716.645.3825
Web: wings.buffalo.edu/world-languages
Karin Michelson
Chair
Mark A. Ashwill
Staff Associate
About the Program
*Not a baccalaureate degree program
Foreign language proficiency and familiarity with other cultures are practical and often vital skills in today’s global economy. Those whose linguistic repertoire is limited to one language are at a distinct disadvantage, whether the task at hand involves conducting research using original source materials, negotiating a business deal, or forging a friendship.
In addition to being practical, knowledge of a foreign language is personally rewarding. It enables students to discover other ways of thinking and viewing the world, and to better understand their own culture. For many, it is also a means of strengthening ethnic and cultural identity.
More and more businesses work closely with companies in other countries. They may need many different kinds of workers who can communicate in different languages and understand other cultures. No matter what career a student chooses, if he or she has learned a second language, a real advantage may be acquired. A technician who knows Russian or German, the head of a company who knows Japanese or Spanish, or a salesperson who knows French or Chinese can work successfully with many more people and in many more places than someone who knows only one language. (Refer to “Knowing Other Languages Brings Opportunities,” MLA: www.adfl.org/resources/pdf_help2.htm.)
The World Languages Program (WLP) is a unique section of the Department of Linguistics that:
• Offers language and culture instruction in the following less commonly taught languages: American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Danish, Modern Greek, Hindi, Irish Gaelic, and Ukranian
• Promotes global awareness and intercultural sensitivity on campus and in the community
• Cooperates with local schools in the area of language and culture training
• Serves the Western New York private sector through translation and interpreting services, non-credit language/culture programs, and private tutorials
All first- and second-year language courses can be taken to meet the second language requirement.
Degree Options
In addition to courses offered by WLP, the Department of Linguistics offers programs in Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Polish, and Russian, and the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (910 Clemens Hall, North Campus, [716] 645-2191) offers programs in French, Humanities, Italian, Latino/Latina Studies, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Practical Experience and Special Opportunities
Global Ambassadors Program. K–12 outreach involving international students; co-sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services, Office of International Education. (http://wings.buffalo.edu/globalambassadors)
E-Business Japanese. A hybrid cross-cultural and language training program that combines online (http://wings.buffalo.edu/world-languages/E-JPN) with offline instruction. Participants acquire basic conversational skills and develop the intercultural competence necessary to interact confidently and successfully with Japanese colleagues.
Languages Across the Curriculum. Enables students to use their foreign language skills in non-language courses. Affiliated with the World Civilizations Program. (http://wings.buffalo.edu/lxc)
Exploratory Language Programs. Introduces K–5 students to other languages and cultures.
Notable Program Features
Small-group instruction develops practical skills through intensive practice with audiotapes and/or computer-assisted instruction reinforced by small-group sessions with native-speaking instructors. These 3-credit courses meet for three hours a week. In addition to regular attendance at the tutorials, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours outside of class on tape-recorded drill materials correlated with the text. Although we emphasize the spoken language, students also develop reading and writing skills as work progresses.
Course Descriptions
ARI 101 Arabic First Year–First SemesterCredits: 5 | ARI 102 Arabic First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 5 | |
ARI 201 Arabic Second Year-First SemesterCredits: 4 | ARI 202 Arabic Second Year–Second SemesterCredits: 4 | |
ASL 191 American Sign Language First Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | ASL 192 American Sign Language First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
ASL 193 American Sign Language Second Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | ASL 194 American Sign Language Second Year-Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
ASL 211 American Sign Language Deaf Culture in AmericaCredits: 3 | DAN 191 Danish First Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | |
DAN 192 Danish First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | DAN 193 Danish Second Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | |
DAN 194 Danish Second Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | GRE 191 Greek (Modern) First Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | |
GRE 192 Greek (Modern) First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | GRE 193 Greek (Modern) Second Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | |
GRE 194 Greek (Modern) Second Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | GRE 211 Introduction to Modern GreeceCredits: 3 | |
HIN 191 Hindi First Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | HIN 192 Hindi First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
HIN 193 Hindi Second Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | HIN 194 Hindi Second Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
IRI 191 Irish Gaelic First Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | IRI 192 Irish Gaelic First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
IRI 193 Irish Gaelic Second Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | IRI 194 Irish Gaelic Second Year-Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
UKR 191 Ukrainian First Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | UKR 192 Ukrainian First Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
UKR 193 Ukrainian Second Year–First SemesterCredits: 3 | UKR 194 Ukrainian Second Year–Second SemesterCredits: 3 | |
Updated: Nov 16, 2005 10:50:49 AM