UB Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2007

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

David Fertig
Director of Language Programs

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.

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience

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.