What’s New for Language Students This Year?

 The African American and African Studies department is piloting Accelerated Beginning Oromo I Spring 2025, and the course quickly filled. Oromo is one of the major language of Ethiopia, and Minnesota is home to a large Ethiopian community. 

The Arabic language program launched a four-credit Jumpstart Beginning Arabic I course designed for students who already know some of the basics of Arabic, such as the alphabet.

The university now accepts Gold and Platinum Bilingual Seals (or state equivalent) for completion of the second language requirement. This recognizes student excellence at the time of admittance to the university, and provides a new avenue for students to demonstrate proficiency in all languages.

First- and second-year French, German, Spanish and other language courses offer multiple scheduling options, including classes that meet two days per week.

The new Beginning Spanish Class Recommendation Tool gives students with 1-2 levels of high school language study the option of skipping a formal placement test, and instead receiving a non-binding course recommendation.