Learning Languages and Literature

As a result of technological advances in transportation and communication, an increasing number of Americans rely on the knowledge of a foreign language in their work and in their lives. Concentrated study of the language, linguistics, literature, and culture of other nations contributes significantly to the improvement of international relations. The ability to speak another language fluently can be a major asset in today's global world.

Languages and Literature Degree Programs
In a languages and literature degree program, you might study Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. Many languages and literature majors choose a foreign language teaching track. Languages and literature majors may also pursue Continental European studies, East Asian studies, or Latin American studies.

The key is to choose the language that will be necessary for your career, and decide the level of foreign language ability you'll need to acquire for career success. Languages and literature degree programs emphasize competence in a foreign language along with knowledge and appreciation of the civilization, culture, and literature of the people groups concerned. You'll accomplish this through study abroad programs in such countries as Argentina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Martinique, and Mexico. When you're in-country, you can experience its language and culture firsthand.

Branching Out From Languages and Literature
Be sure to choose an additional academic area of study to supplement the foreign language, preferably one that requires a high degree of technical skill. Most people who study languages and literature use their foreign language ability to assist them in a different career field. Related courses of study include civilization, foreign relations, geography, history, international law, and world economics.

Foreign language competence is an asset to urban workers in social work, public health, and law enforcement. As a supplement to other skills, the knowledge of a foreign language is a valuable professional commodity.

Careers in Languages and Literature
Employment possibilities for languages and literature majors include teaching, translating, foreign correspondence, foreign diplomacy, import-export work, and international transportation. Possible job titles for those with a bachelor's degree in languages and literature include foreign service officer, guide, international banking officer, and international trade economist. With an advanced degree in languages and literature, you may become a bilingual educator, foreign social worker, interpreter, linguist, or speech pathologist.

Employers of languages and literature majors include airlines, businesses and banks, hotels, media, museums, schools, state/federal government, and travel/tourism agencies.

In a world without boundaries, take time today to enroll in a degree program and learn all you can about the languages and literature of people near and far.

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