Languages

“Africa invented language.”

–Ali Mazrui, Kenyan scholar

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has long been recognized as a leader in language education and ranks number one in the nation for students earning a bachelor’s degree in a language other than English (National Center for Educational Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Education).

Within this tradition, the Department of African Cultural Studies is home to one of the oldest African languages programs in the United States, with a rich history of offering a wide range of languages over the past fifty years.

Reflecting this breadth and flexibility, our language offerings vary by semester and may not be available every term. We encourage you to check current course listings or contact us for the most up-to-date information.

Why study African languages with us?

• Small class sizes foster active participation, meaningful interaction, and cultural exchange.

• Language study opens doors to unique study abroad programs and international internship opportunities.

• Scholarships are available to support and expand access to language learning.

• Multilingual students build strong networks that support career exploration and professional growth.

We also offer monitored self-instructional opportunities for graduate students through courses such as Theories and Methods of Learning a Less Commonly Taught Language and Directed Study of a Less Commonly Taught Language. These courses allow students to pursue the study of African languages not typically offered in a classroom setting.

Each spring, we celebrate our students’ achievements through a festival showcasing their knowledge of African languages, literatures, and cultures—an opportunity to share their work with the broader campus community and highlight the vibrant learning taking place within our program.

Whether you are beginning a new language or building on prior experience, we invite you to explore the many opportunities to engage with African languages and cultures through our program.

If you have prior experience with an African language, please contact Adeola Agoke (adeola.agoke@wisc.edu)  for enrollment guidance.