Programs in South and Southeast 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 different ethnic peoples who lived and moved throughout South and Southeast Asia

The region of South Asia is described by many linguists as very diverse. In this region alone, there are over 650 individual languages! Some of the more commonly spoken languages are Hindi, Bengali, Thai, and Vietnamese.

As you might expect, the literature tradition of this region is also very rich. There are traditional texts of India ("Mahabharata") and Thailand ("Ramakien"). You might also explore modern writers of the Philippines or the oral histories passed down in the island nations of Indonesia and within Polynesia.

Because this area is so diverse (and often, defined rather loosely), not all programs will offer the same course work. Make sure to investigate individual programs, as each will offer its own unique focus.

In general though, South and Southeast Asian languages and literature programs teach you about the culture and subcultures of countries that speak an Asian language. You often take courses from different fields of study, such as art, anthropology and history. Most importantly, you learn to speak at least one language spoken in this region. Languages spoken in India are commonly taught, but you might also learn Tagalog or Indonesian.

You also learn how to read and write the language. Many courses also teach you translation techniques. Of course, you read original literature and poetry as well as learn about music, film, and other South and Southeast cultural traditions. Most upper-level courses require you to read important works of literature in their original form.

About 25 colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in South and Southeast languages and literature. Some schools offer concentrations as part of a larger program in Asian language and literature.

A few two-year colleges offer the first two years of study, but usually in the most commonly spoken languages. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school. Master's degrees typically take five or six years of full-time study after high school. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree. Most people with graduate degrees in this field become professors.