Modern Languages
At the School of Linguistics and Language Studies we offer courses in the following modern languages:
American Sign Language
*Minor Available
Arabic
Mandarin Chinese
German
Italian
Japanese
*Minor Available
Korean
Languages Less Commonly Taught
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
*Minor available
Most of our language courses are offered at all levels, from Beginner to Advanced.
For those students who require an accelerated start to their language training for professional or academic purposes, SLaLS offers some languages as intensive courses with extra class time per week and a double credit value.
Whenever possible we offer one or more of the languages from the languages less commonly taught (LANG) area.
Conversation Practice
We also offer conversation practice in a limited number of languages. Click the link below to join and if you have a language you would like to share, please email culanguage@carleton.ca.
IMPORTANT: Placement Testing and the Language Background Questionnaire (LBQ)
Modern Language placement testing and the Language Background Questionnaire (LBQ) are online. The mandatory Language Background Questionnaire must be completed by all students taking their first language course at Carleton.
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- All students who are taking a language course for the first time at Carleton must complete a mandatory Language Background Questionnaire.
- Students taking their first language course at Carleton who are attempting to register in an upper level course must receive a Placement test result prior to registration.
- Students are not permitted to:
- Audit language courses;
- Repeat a language course in which they receive a grade of C or higher;
- Register in a course level below their placement test result.
- Language courses have mandatory attendance. Lack of attendance can result in deregistration.
- Students registered in 1010/1110 level courses (and those who registered in an upper level course, after receiving a placement test result):
- Must attend and participate in the class in order to be observed by their instructor.
- Those who have not attended by the 3rd class of the term will be required to withdraw from the course.
- Students who do not have their proficiency level confirmed (did not complete the required Language Background Questionnaire/Placement Test) will result in withdrawal from the course.
- Students registered in 1010/1110 level courses (and those who registered in an upper level course, after receiving a placement test result):
Language Minors
Minors in select languages are available and open to undergraduate degree students. Get in touch with us today to learn more about adding a language minor to your degree!
Heritage Language Courses
These courses are for students who grew up with exposure to a particular language, but who did not study it in a formal setting or at an academic level. These courses are not offered every semester. Check the public class schedule for offerings.
Language Learning Resource Centre (LLRC)
The LLRC offers a range of books and resources in many of the languages we teach, student-access computers, comfy seating, and an array of activities/events throughout the year.
Please note that Greek, Latin, and Hebrew are offered through the College of Humanities, and French courses are offered by the Department of French.
Modern Languages in the News
Carleton Students Compete in 2025 Toronto Korean Speech Contest
In March, nine Carleton University students travelled to Toronto to participate in the 19th Annual Toronto Korean Speech Contest. Approximately…
Soyoung Kang Presents at GW Institute for Korean Studies’ Signature Conference
Korean language instructor Soyoung Kang was recently invited to deliver a talk as part of the GW Institute for Korean…
Building Bridges: Lawrence Barss’ Experience with the Kakehashi Project
‘Kakehashi,’ meaning ‘bridge,’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Kakehashi Project. This initiative has been inspiring both Canadian and Japanese…