Japanese

In recent years, the Japanese language has been acquiring status as a major foreign language, particularly for those who aspire to pursue relationships with East Asia as well as Japan. The Japanese language is spoken by the entire population of Japan–about 125 million–and ranks ninth among the languages of the world in terms of the number of native speakers. It is also studied widely as a foreign language in East Asia. Contrary to a common belief that asserts the uniqueness of the Japanese language, it is a very typical human language with respect to grammatical structure.

This concentration offers a unique program which combines studies in linguistics and advanced-level studies in Japanese and is intended for students who wish to pursue the study of linguistics as well as achieve advanced-level proficiency and gain linguistic understanding of the specialization language. Majors in this concentration develop appreciation of general properties of language and the specialization language and develop competence in linguistic analysis in the specialization language.

Please visit the UB Undergraduate Catalog for further information about the Linguistics BA – Japanese Language and Linguistics Concentration, including courses, acceptance criteria, requirements, study abroad, and career opportunities.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, students with this degree are expected to acquire intermediate-level proficiency in Japanese in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and cultural knowledge and understanding desired for the target level of proficiency.

Please visit the UB Undergraduate Catalog for further information about the Minor in Japanese, including courses, acceptance criteria, requirements, study abroad, and career opportunities.

Opportunities to study abroad in Japan are available for a summer or a full academic year. Study abroad is particularly encouraged for Japanese minors as well as special majors in Japanese.