Less Commonly Taught Languages Initiative

In this FAQ Sheet, we will try to answer some of the main questions about the process of studying a "Less Commonly Taught" or LCT language, in other words a language not commonly available in U.S. high schools, or in most colleges.

In choosing to study one of these languages, you are taking on a challenging and exciting educational experience. You can be proud of yourself, for you are doing something unusual, and something that many people would regard as hard. You will be expected to make more than the usual commitment. We hope you will meet this challenge, and enjoy the achievement.

The term "Less Commonly Taught" applies only to the educational picture in the U.S. In other parts of the world, these languages are the norm.

2. Why is studying one of these languages different from studying other languages?

Let's assume that English is your primary language. LCT languages are likely to be very different from English. If you have studied a European language - for instance, French or Spanish or German -- you may have noticed quite a few similarities to English. There are many related vocabulary words, along with familiar grammatical structures and a nearly identical writing system.

The LCT languages, in contrast, may not use the Western alphabet as their writing system. They may have grammatical structures or other characteristics that do not have any parallel in English. For example, the system of levels of formality in Japanese has no close parallel in English, nor does the system of more than ten categories of nouns in Swahili.

3. Why does my language course meet 5 days a week, but carry only 4 credits?

Most Penn State courses require one class hour per week, per credit. Thus many 3-credit courses, for instance, will meet for 3 hours of class time. However, other Penn State courses expect additional in-class commitments. Science courses with labs, arts courses with studios or rehearsals or performances, and sports courses with exercise activities are some examples.

Similarly, some LCT language courses meet 5 times a week. This is done in order to provide almost-daily opportunities for practice and for regular contact with the language. We know this requires an increased commitment of your time. This pattern has been chosen partly in recognition of the amount you'll need to learn. It has also been chosen partly in recognition of the fact that there is less out-of-class reinforcement for these languages than for some of the commonly taught European languages. Your learning process is likely to be more focused on the language classroom, including your classmates as a learning community.

The U.S. State Department has estimated that it may take English-speakers up to four times as many contact-hours to achieve the same level of ability in certain LCT languages as in languages such as French, German, or Spanish. In some universities, courses in these languages meet for 8 or 10 hours per week. We're not expecting that level of commitment from you, but some languages do ask for a 5th class hour per week.

Furthermore, on days when class doesn't meet, we encourage you to visit the Language Learning Center (see below), to practice with a classmate or friend, or to schedule individual study time, so that you are in contact with the language every day. As with physical exercise or learning to play a musical instrument, in language learning daily practice, even if for only a few minutes, can make a great deal of difference.

For some LCT languages there is only one instructor. However, other sections are team-taught. This teaching situation enables you to become accustomed to hearing more than one voice, accent, rate of speaking, etc. With a team of teachers, you are less likely to feel dependent on any particular teacher, and your understanding of the language may become more flexible and confident. Having more than one teacher also adds variety to your classes. Some students initially find it slightly disconcerting to have a team of teachers, but if you approach this situation with an awareness of its potential advantages, we believe you will gain from it.

If you have only one instructor and are learning a modern spoken language, it may be especially important for you to listen to recorded voices, watch films, arrange for a language-partner, etc., to make sure you are hearing more than one person speaking the language.

At Penn State, you may be able to take a major in minor in a LCTL. For example, you can take a major or a minor in Japanese; a minor in Chinese; or a minor in Hebrew. A minor in Arabic is being created. You can also use a variety of languages within majors such as Comparative Literature, International Studies, East Asian Studies, and so forth.

For further information on the curricular opportunities for individual languages, go to the link for your language on this page.

In addition to the coursework available at Penn State, it may be possible to continue your progress in the language through distance education, independent study, or study abroad, as indicated on other parts of this site.

Beyond Penn State, what you do with these languages is largely up to you. In our increasingly interdependent world, with its global economy and extensive cultural interchange, many careers have an international component.

6. Where can I go for additional resources on campus?

In addition to the assistance offered by your instructor(s) and Internet opportunities to read foreign news and other international websites, many other resources are available in the University Language Learning Center, 7 Sparks Building.

This is a new facility, with state-of-the-art equipment that can assist you in your process of language learning. For example, you can watch international television programs, try out language software on the computers, watch videotapes, arrange to meet with your classmates in small groups, etc. We urge you to visit the Center often.