Why Study a World Language?

Being proficient in a world language will enhance your opportunities both locally and globally. Approximately one in five Americans and one in four New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home. Globally, only about one in six people speak at least some English. The study of a world language will also broaden your global perspective and deepen your cultural understanding by teaching you about the culture, history, and literature of the areas of the world where the language is spoken.

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Our Programs and Courses

We offer small classes, which promote student participation and proficiency in world languages and afford our students the opportunity to get to know their professors well.

Find a Program or Course 

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Our Faculty

One of the great strengths of our program is the cooperation among faculty of diverse languages and specializations. 

Meet Our Faculty

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Opportunities Abroad

We strongly encourage our majors to study abroad. The International Education Office provides numerous low-cost opportunities for global learning.

Learn about International Education Opportunities 

Our Educational Mission

Under the overarching mission of Buffalo State and the School of Arts and Sciences, the Modern and Classical Languages Department prepares students to be able to communicate in languages other than English within their workplaces, with an emphasis on preparation for professional workplaces (e.g., educational, legal, medical, social services, business, hospitality and tourism, international relations, and journalism and broadcasting).

We recognize that being prepared to employ a language within a workplace requires students to communicate effectively in that language.

We also recognize that communicating effectively in a language requires students to be familiar with the history, culture, and literature of regions where that language is widely spoken, including within the United States.