Programs in Central and Eastern Asian languages and literature teach people the spoken and written traditions of the region. Students learn how words began and languages continue to develop. They learn to speak and read modern dialects. They study stories, myths, and writings. The program includes the cultures of many Turkic and Persian people who lived and moved throughout Asia, parts of the Soviet Union, and some areas of Europe.
The country of Turkey is often described as the place where "East meets West." Looking at a map, you can see why this description is apt. The following countries share borders with Turkey: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. While in Turkey, you're geographically part of Europe. Then, cross the Strait of Bosphorus, and you're in Asia.
The history of Turkic people is reflected in literature and legends, and many dialects and languages. It is no surprise, then, that Central and Eastern Asian languages and literature programs often focus on this area. However, you can study other languages and written works from this region. It is difficult to say what those might be, as there isn't an agreed-upon definition of Central and Eastern Asia. Furthermore, this region is very large, encompassing several countries and nomadic peoples. Therefore, at one program you may study Mongolian and Tibetan languages. In another, you might focus on literature from Iran and Kazakhstan. Make sure to check out individual programs to see if your preferred area of study is offered there.
In general, in these programs you take courses from different fields of study, such as art and history. Most importantly, you learn to speak a language, such as Persian or Turkish (which, in turn, has several dialects). You also learn how to read and write the language. Many courses also teach you translation techniques.
Of course, you also read and study important works of Central and East Asian literature and poetry. This includes reading important works of literature in their untranslated form, including "The Book of Alexander the Great" by the poet Nezami. You may also learn a centuries old form of rap - yes, rap - called "aitysh." In this region, stories and poetry passed down orally are very important, so you will study these as well. In addition, you can also learn about music and film from this region. This includes music that is centuries old, and modern day movies from emerging filmmakers.
About 30 colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Central and East Asian languages and literature. Some schools offer concentrations as part of a larger program in Asian language and literature.
In general, bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study after high school to complete. Master's degrees typically take five or six years. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree. Most people with graduate degrees in this field become professors.