World Languages & Cultures
Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates |
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Major In:
Cultural Studies
Arabic
Italian
Korean
Persian
Portuguese
Learn about the emphases in our new World Languages & Cultures major
Welcome to World Languages & Cultures!
The Department of World Languages & Cultures is the largest and most diverse in the College, culturally and programmatically. Our programs and courses offer multiple opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study in language, literature, culture, and language education. All foreign languages and their respective literatures at the University of Utah are taught in the Department, which provides students with a forum for research and education in more than 20 linguistic and literary traditions.
Why World Languages & Cultures? HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS & ALUMNI

Placement Testing
The WLC Department is now offering virtual language placement testing for students who would like to be placed into the appropriate language class or who would like to purchase lower-division language credits. Click the link below for the most current information about language placement testing, including virtual test instructions.
Study Abroad Programs
Find out more about the faculty-led study abroad programs offered by the WLC Department
Study Abroad & Transfer Credits
Learn how to make your past or upcoming study abroad or transfer credits count toward your WLC degree
Bridge Programs
Learn more about our Bridge Programs, opportunities, careers, course requirements, and scholarships
Fall 2022 Course Descriptions |
No Language Background? |
Language Clubs |
Diversity and Equity Statement - The Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. |
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News
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New degree at the University of Utah invites more students to major in World Languages & Cultures
As one of the largest language departments in the country, the Department of World Languages & Cultures at the University of Utah offers 21 languages, eight majors and 12 minors. Now, after a groundbreaking restructuring and expansion of their Comparative Literary & Cultural Studies degree, the department will introduce seven new options to better meet the needs and interests of more students in Fall 2022.
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Revitalizing Japantown
There’s a street in downtown Salt Lake City serving as an urban archive with generations of stories written in brick and concrete. Near the Salt Palace Convention Center and the Vivint Arena, it stretches from Second to Third West on 100 South, bookended by the Japanese Church of Christ and the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple—the remnants of a once-thriving Japantown chronicling the Japanese American community’s 100+-year fight to save the celebrated space and preserve their history.
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Congratulations to Yunwen Su, recipient of the Business Language Research and Teaching Award
Yunwen Su has received the Business Language Research and Teaching Award from the Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). She was recognized for her research with Yingling Bao from Indiana University for their research on “Gift Giving Interactions and the Chinese Concept of Politeness.”