Hausa

Hausa is a Chadic language spoken by more than 34 million people in parts of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad, and as a language of trade by another 18 million people throughout West Africa, Central Africa, and northwestern Sudan, particularly amongst Muslims. It has a rich literary tradition in both Arabic and Roman scripts, as well as a thriving oral tradition. Knowledge of Hausa is important to governmental work, international non-governmental organizations, and international businesses. By studying Hausa at UW-Madison, you will be eligible for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships, which cover partial tuition for one year as well as a stipend. Through the African Studies Program, you will be connected with many faculty members conducting research in and about Africa. Students from the Hausa program have gone on to work in the Peace Corps, the Voice of America, and even the Nigerian film industry.