DISCOVER LANGUAGE
Why Study a Language at UW-Madison?
Language study is for students in all academic disciplines to expand their horizons and worldviews, connect with communities at home and across the globe, and develop essential career readiness skills.
Languages Taught at UW-Madison
During the academic year, UW-Madison typically offers courses in approximately 50 modern and classical languages. Additional "less commonly taught" languages are offered during the summer.
More Information
Complete our language interest form to receive more information about programs and opportunities for specific languages.
LANGUAGE ON CAMPUS
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
CAREER EVENTS
CAREER & PRE-MAJOR ADVISING
SUBSCRIBE TO THE LANGUAGE CONNECTION E-NEWSLETTER
- September
- September 13
- September 16
- September 17Market Your Language Skills: Drop-in AdvisingEvent for students of languages and other multilingual students1:00 PM, 1338 Van Hise Hall
- September 17
The study of languages, literatures, and cultures is a key component of the Wisconsin Experience, preparing UW-Madison students to become outstanding leaders who are engaged locally, nationally, and globally.
LANGUAGE AND YOUR CAREER
STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Learning languages offers opportunities for making deep human and cultural connections that are beyond our own immediate experiences. For some, language learning is a window into a new culture and a way of life; for others, it’s a means to explore their personal or family heritage. Regardless, learning languages demands ongoing reflection and a willingness to engage both with difference and with aspects of our shared humanity.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Language Institute believes in the inherent value of all languages and language varieties, and is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to language learning opportunities that strengthen and enhance each person’s academic, professional, and personal goals.
The Language Institute recognizes the existence of structural barriers that can negatively affect the ability of individuals and groups to reach their full potential. In addition to our commitment to promoting equitable access to language learning and to Language Institute programming, we remain vigilant in fostering an inclusive campus climate that values the many ways that each person’s language(s), lived experiences, and individual and social identities contribute to and enrich our shared mission.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
Nelson Mandela
If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."