DANBURY, CONN. – The Western Connecticut State University Department of World Languages and Literature (WLL) offers several foreign language courses including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
Arabic is the newest offering by the department and is taught by native Arabic speaker, Dr. El Khalfi. As the population of Arabic speakers in western cultures continues to grow, we are facing a shortage of Arabic speakers in the Western World. The National Security Education Program has listed Arabic as one of the most-needed languages in America and as a language that is critical to national security.
El Khalfi explained the rising importance of Arabic in western cultures: “It is the language of culture, communication, international business and research. Many businesses want candidates, especially Westerners, who have a very good command of both Arabic and English.”
According to WLL Department Chair Dr. Galina Bakhtiarova: “Learning a rare language, like Arabic or Chinese, can offer a competitive advantage for graduating students. Learning languages is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It advances the careers of —and opens the world— to our students.”
In addition to language courses, the department also offers a language resource center in Higgins Annex and two study-abroad programs, one in Spain and one in Florence. “The study-abroad program at WCSU is the most economical program in the state. We offer more credits, charge less, and teach language through culture,” Bakhtiarova said.
Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.