Language Study

Languages Offered

At present, the Department offers courses of instruction in the following Asian languages: Bengali (Bangla), Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Sanskrit, Pali and the PrakritsUrdu, and Vietnamese. Visit each language's page for further information. 

Intensive Language Study 

Intensive language courses are offered on the Seattle campus in the summer only, in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.  See the upcoming summer schedule for levels offered.  UW Study Abroad offers summer and year-round intensive language study. 

Language in Degree Programs

Our degree programs all include opportunity for language study.  We do not have degree programs that only focus on language study.  All of our degrees include language and culture (literature, linguistics, culture); the latter are taught in English.  Language courses include some literature, linguistics and culture content, in courses whose primary focus is language learning.  

Important Policies, Proficiency, and Placement Exams

Please review our policies regarding Add Codes & Wait Lists and Proficiency & Placement.  For information on major and minor requirements, see Undergraduate Programs.  For graduate degree requirements, see Graduate Programs.

Non-Degree Study

Non-UW students are welcome to enroll in Asian Language and Literature courses (including some language classes, if space allows) through UW Extension. To find out more go to https://www.nondegree.uw.edu/register or call toll-free 1-800-506-1325. The cost to enroll in a five-credit course for one quarter is about $1,800, including technology and registration fees.

Due to space considerations, language classes in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature are not available for auditing or for ACCESS students. However, ACCESS students are welcome to audit literature or linguistics classes within the department. For more information, see http://www.washington.edu/students/reg/access.html.

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