There is nothing quite like the moment you realize you can hold a conversation, read a story, or understand a song in a new language. When you study a language, that moment happens sooner than you might think. Even better, you start to see the world a little differently, through the eyes of another culture.
In a country as linguistically and culturally diverse as Canada, the ability to bridge languages strengthens communities and fosters mutual understanding. Speaking another language helps you connect with people across cultures with respect and understanding.
The Modern Languages Studies Department offers language courses in French, Spanish and Japanese. You can take individual courses or complete a two-year certificate program in Language and Culture for each language.
Proficiency in Language and Culture Certificate
Learn a new language, discover a new culture and take both with you wherever you go.
Want to speak French, Spanish, or Japanese with confidence? This certificate helps you get there. You will earn an official language credential and, just as importantly, you will learn to use the language in everyday life. Each language starts at the true beginner level, so you are welcome even if you have never studied it before.
Why take this certificate?
In about two years, you will move from beginner to intermediate level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will also get to know the culture behind the language. It is a manageable, rewarding way to add a valuable, practical skill to any degree or career plan.
What makes it different?
You can focus on French, Spanish or Japanese, and you will build your language skills and cultural knowledge together. If you enjoy a more analytical approach, you can take linguistics courses instead, which look at how language itself works. The program is flexible too. If you studied a language in high school, you may be able to skip ahead or take a Challenge exam, and if you qualify, you can even earn credit through an internship.
Is this program for you?
This certificate is a great fit if:
- you love connecting with people
- you are curious about other cultures
- you are planning to travel, teach or work internationally.
It is also perfect if you want to:
- add a practical skill to your degree,
- reconnect with your family language
- explore the cultures of East Asia, Europe, or Latin America.
What you will learn
By the end of the program, you will be able to speak, listen, read and write in your chosen language. You will feel more confident communicating across cultures, understand the culture behind the language, and learn how language works. You will also build skills you can use anywhere, like adaptability and listening to others.
Learn more about the Proficiency in Language and Culture Certificate
Which language should I study?
Studying French
French is one of Canada’s two official languages, so it is especially useful here at home, from government jobs to teaching, translation, and any workplace where being bilingual stands out. It is also spoken across Europe, Africa and much of the world. And, it is a key language for travel, culture and international work.
Studying Spanish
Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with hundreds of millions of speakers in about twenty countries, so it is useful almost anywhere you go. It also helps close to home, with jobs in business, education, tourism and health care across the Americas. Plus, there’s a rich world of music, film, and books to enjoy in the original language.
Studying Japanese
Japanese connects you to one of the world’s biggest economies and a culture known for technology, design, anime, manga, and games. On the West Coast, it is a useful skill for jobs in trade, tourism, education, and the arts. It links you to people across the Pacific and East Asia, and is a good choice if you want to reconnect with a family language.
Contact to learn more about the Modern Languages Studies department: Yoichi Mukai, Ph.D.
Note: Challenge examination
If you feel are already possess proficiency equivalent to the requirements of a Language course you may complete the Challenge examination. The examination assesses all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
The Challenge examination is not available to students whose mother tongue is the same as the language they wish to challenge.
For more information, please see Prior Learning Assessment and the Challenge program.