World Languages and Cultures Department

Unlock your future at Howard University's Department of World Languages and Cultures—immerse yourself, connect globally, and prepare for an international career.

Locke Hall, Room 348
2441 Sixth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20059
Phone: (202) 806-6758
Fax: (202) 806-6760

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Join a vibrant community at Howard University where you can immerse yourself in over 15 languages, including French, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. Engage in interdisciplinary majors and minors, and benefit from study abroad opportunities in countries like France, Spain, and Brazil. Our experienced faculty, innovative research, and enriching extracurricular activities—such as student organizations and cultural events—equip you for a successful global career.

Learn more about our offerings

Language Placement Exam Details and Access Links

LPE Information

Become proficient in one or more of the fascinating languages, cultures, and literatures of Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba, and Zulu.

And participate in one of our many extracurricular offerings.

Earn Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish or French.

Choose from a diverse range of minors in Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swahili.

Or combine a foreign language major or minor with another major (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, International Business, International Relations, etc.).

Prepare to be competitive in the global market by participating in a study abroad program, including France, Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, China, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico and Nigeria.

Learn about the languages and cultures of other countries. And plan for a fulfilling professional career working in the foreign service, NGOs, education, or technology.

LEARN AFRICAN LANGUAGES AT HU!
The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers free materials to students of Amharic, Swahili, and Wolof at the intermediate and advanced level.
All courses are powered by CANVAS, all you need is an account to access them!

Amharic: Native Language of Ethiopia Swahili: Native Language of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Wolof: Native Language of Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania

NEWS FEED

Howard University African Studies and Languages International Conference 2025

Howard University will host the African Studies and Languages International Conference 2025 on February 21-22, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and virtually via Zoom. Themed “African Indigenous Knowledge and Languages,” the conference coincides with International Mother Language Day and will explore topics like indigenous knowledge systems, endangered languages, and cultural preservation. Visit the conference's website

HU University Spanish Film Festival

Join us every Tuesday this October at 7:00pm in Locke Hall 105 for a captivating journey through Latin American and Spanish-speaking cultures, with films tackling important social, cultural, and economic themes. All films come with English subtitles, so there is no excuse to miss out on the chance to enjoy and discuss thought-provoking cinema! Learn more about the Spanish film festival: