The Program in African Languages (PAL) is one of the Center for African Studies’ central components in its mission to work with the rest of the University in promoting Africa-related studies on the campus and beyond. In addition to undergraduate education, the CAS promotes and supports graduate studies as an essential part of the development of a continuing community of Africanist scholars.
In this regard, the CAS, in close collaboration with the Department of Languages, Literatures, & Cultures (LLC), has committed itself to developing and maintaining a viable, comprehensive, and dynamic program in African languages.
UF has one of the top programs in the US for studying African languages. Seven languages representing all regions and major language families of Africa are offered on regular basis at all levels of instruction (i.e., beginning, intermediate, advanced & superior). They include:
Akan
| Credits | Course | Course Title | Linked Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | AKA1130 | Beginning Akan 1 | 3315 |
| 3 credits | AKA2200 | Intermediate Akan 1 | 4H87 |
| 3 credits | AKA 3410 | Advanced Akan 1 | 9AA3 |
Amharic
| Credits | Course | Course Title | Linked Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | AHM1130 | Beginning Amharic 1 | 05AB/ 05CD |
| 3 credits | AHM 2200 | Intermediate Amharic 1 | 17C0 |
| 3 credits | AHM 3410 | Advanced Amharic 1 | 9AA3 |
Swahili
| Credits | Course | Course Title | Linked Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | SWA1130 | Beginning Swahili 1 | 0445 / 2043 / 7C31 / 7C32 |
| 3 credits | SWA2200 | Intermediate Swahili 1 | 3682 |
| 3 credits | SWA3410 | Advanced Swahili 1 | 1C89 |
Wolof
| Credits | Course | Course Title | Linked Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | WOL1130 | Beginning Wolof 1 | 17ED |
| 3 credits | WOL1130 | Intermediate Wolof 1 | 17EF |
| 3 credits | WOL 3410 | Advanced Wolof 1 | 4A34 |
Yoruba
| Credits | Course | Course Title | Linked Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | YOR1130 | Beginning Yoruba 1 | 0461 |
| 3 credits | YOR2200 | Intermediate Yoruba 1 | 17D9 |
| 3 credits | YOR 3410 | Advanced Yoruba 1 | 29F2 |
Zulu
| Credits | Course | Course Title | Linked Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 credits | SSA4905 | Beginning Zulu 1 | 2A82 |
| 3 credits | SSA4905 | Intermediate Zulu 1 | 3E31 |
| 3 credits | SSA4905 | Advanced Zulu 1 | 2C82 |
The Center for African Studies can arrange to offer variable credit per course/ per student when necessary.
Undergraduate students are eligible to apply to study languages at the intermediate or advanced level (i.e. not the first two semesters of the language).
Graduate students are eligible to apply at the intermediate and advanced level, but they may also apply at the beginning level if they have already achieved advanced proficiency in another language. Priority is given to applications for the intermediate or advanced level.
For more information about Program in African Languages, click here, or please contact PAL Coordinator, Dr. Charles Bwenge.
Why Learn an African Language at University of Florida?
- Fulfill your UF foreign language requirement.
- Expand your opportunities to visit, travel, and work in Africa.
- Prepare for the expanding global market.
- Get jobs in research, Peace Corps, teaching, business, military & humanitarian organizations.
- Enhance your credibility as a researcher.
Please select from the left-hand menu to learn more about the African Languages Programs offered by the Center.Â