Romance Languages and Literatures at UB
Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Connect with the world through language.
Language is more than vocabulary. It is culture, history and real human connection. In the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures at the University at Buffalo, you can study French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Catalan while exploring literature, film, history and global cultures. Through small classes and immersive learning, you build language fluency and the confidence to communicate across cultures and communities.
Romance languages developed from Latin, the language of the Roman Empire. Today they include:
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- Other languages such as Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Catalan
At UB, you can study multiple Romance languages and see how they connect through linguistics, culture and shared history.
Romance languages are spoken by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Learning them helps you understand global cultures and build communication skills valued in many careers.
Students choose Romance languages because they want to:
- Build strong language and communication skills
- Explore literature, film and culture from around the world
- Study global issues through language and culture
- Prepare for international experiences and careers
Why UB?
UB is a place where you can challenge yourself, find your community and build a future. As New York’s flagship public research university, UB gives you the power of an R1 institution and the support of a campus that feels welcoming from day one.
What you’ll experience at UB
- Affordable excellence: Earn a top-tier education at a cost that supports your goals.
- Collaborative community: Learn from faculty and peers who care about your growth.
- Built-in opportunity: Get experience through research, internships and student clubs.
- A vibrant place to live: Buffalo offers friendly neighborhoods, a lively arts and food scene and easy access to Toronto and New York.
The UB difference
UB students get big-university advantages without losing the personal connections that make college meaningful. You’ll join a campus that encourages curiosity, celebrates different perspectives and gives you room to explore your path.
Each language program offers its own cultural perspectives, histories and areas of study. Whether you choose French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese, you will build strong language skills while exploring the literature, media, ideas and communities connected to each language. Many students also study more than one Romance language to broaden their understanding of how languages and cultures intersect.
French is spoken across nearly every continent and remains a global language of culture, diplomacy and international communication. It has influenced English vocabulary and continues to shape global literature, film and philosophy.
At UB, French students explore language through literature, art, media and history while building strong communication skills.
In this program, you will:
- Practice speaking and writing French beginning in your first classes
- Study cultures across the French-speaking world
- Explore literature, film, music, philosophy and contemporary issues
Explore our programs
Undergraduate
Graduate
Italian connects you to centuries of culture and creativity. From Renaissance art and architecture to modern film, fashion and food culture, Italian language study opens the door to one of the world’s most influential cultural traditions.
In this program, you will:
- Learn Italian in immersive language classes
- Study Italian history, art and literature
- Explore topics from Roman architecture to modern film and design
Explore our programs
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is used across Spain, Latin America and the United States, which is the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.
Students choose Spanish because they understand the importance of bilingual communication and want to engage with the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
In this program, you will:
- Practice speaking Spanish from your first classes
- Study literature, art, media and current events from across the Hispanic world
- Explore language history, linguistics and cultural traditions
Explore our programs
Undergraduate
Graduate
Portuguese is spoken by more than 250 million people worldwide and is the primary language of Brazil, one of the world’s largest economies. It is also spoken in parts of Europe, Africa and beyond.
At UB, you can study Portuguese through a sequence of language courses that build your skills in speaking, writing and cultural understanding.
Sample courses include:
- Elementary Portuguese
- Portuguese Composition, Conversation and Grammar
Portuguese courses are a great option if you want to expand your global communication skills or complement another major or language.
Language learning at UB is interactive, immersive and supportive. Small classes encourage discussion and help you build confidence speaking and writing in another language.
Students in Romance Languages and Literatures:
- Learn language skills through conversation, writing and cultural exploration
- Study literature, film, art and media from different regions of the world
- Explore how languages connect through shared history and linguistics
- Learn alongside classmates who bring different backgrounds and perspectives
Many students also study abroad or combine language study with another major to broaden their experience.
RLL graduates build careers that cross borders and industries. With strong language skills and cultural insight, our graduates are prepared for roles in:
- Education and teaching
- International business and trade
- Diplomacy and public service
- Health care and public health
- Law, media and nonprofit leadership
Many also continue into graduate or professional school, carrying forward the communication and analytical skills employers value.
You may not know exactly where your future will lead. But learning another language will expand your options on campus, in your community and around the world. If you are ready to grow, RLL is ready to help you begin.
Explore your options and take the next step toward applying.
