Programs in languages other than English teach people the spoken and written traditions of many other nations and peoples. Students learn various languages and study related dialects. They study literature, often reading and discussing in languages other than English. They learn how words begin and language develops. In addition, they study ways to apply the knowledge to business and technology.

When you learn languages other than your own, you gain cultural awareness and global literacy. More than 60 career fields require that you speak and read at least one language other than English. Most of the bilingual careers are in agriculture, education, government, business, social services, trade, and transportation.

In most second language programs, you study just what the name implies – how to read, write, and speak a second language. Typically you also learn about the culture and the history of the people who speak that language. This includes reading original works of literature, learning about past and current social issues, and in most cases, traveling and studying abroad.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in languages and literature. Most two-year colleges offer the first two years of study. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school.

Students who major in second languages may be able to choose concentrations such as:

• Conversation
• Dialects
• Folklore
• Interpreting
• Linguistics
• Literature and Literary Criticism
• Specific Language Groups
• Teaching
• Translation