Language and Cultures
KPU offers a wide variety of language courses (French, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Spanish) as well as linguistics and cultural studies courses (conducted in English). Learning foreign languages and related cultures helps students develop the complex set of linguistic, social, and cultural skills which enable them to understand not only the particular language and culture they are studying, but also their own socio-cultural norms and values. As these languages are spoken in Metro Vancouver, studying them will, moreover, help students communicate with and integrate into the broader local communities and expand their employment opportunities at the same time. Knowing additional languages is also a definite asset for students to study and work abroad.
We offer an inclusive and interactive learning environment, encourage students to engage with the course content, and actively broaden their perspectives of the world.
Any student with Grade 12 Language or with previous language skills meeting or exceeding the learning outcomes of LANG 1100 is not permitted to register in this introductory course. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of any language course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw.
Students who are not sure of their language level should contact an instructor for an assessment. Generally, students who are native speakers of a language are not permitted to register in the lower level language course. For information on some exceptions, please contact the instructor of the language of interest.
Cultural Studies Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
Culture is the ways people perceive and conduct themselves and function in the world they inhabit. It is closely related to language which is the medium of a culture's expression. Our Cultural Studies courses provide students with an opportunity to explore cultures through textual and visual media and through business practices.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the Cultural Studies course descriptions.
Cultural Studies courses are offered in English.
French Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
French is one of the two official languages of Canada and mother tongue of about 7 million Canadians. It is also one of the world's major international languages spoken by over 200 million people in 43 countries. Knowing French is an advantage and often a necessity in the Canadian Federal public services and the travel industry. Beyond helping students pursue career goals, French enables communication with people in many different countries, and allows a deeper exploration of French art, fashion, and cuisine.
Any student with French 12 or with previous language skills meeting or exceeding the learning outcomes of FREN 1100 is not permitted to register in this introductory course. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw.
KPU offers various levels of French courses. Since not all courses are offered in every semester or on every campus, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Language and Cultures department before planning their program.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the French course descriptions.
For assessment or placement test information, please please see website for the Department of Language and Cultures.
Japanese Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
Japanese is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese immigrant communities around the world. Since Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world, knowing Japanese could contribute to business opportunities and help students pursue their career goals. Also, Japanese culture has become part of the international cultural scene, in addition to traditional arts. Learning Japanese helps students explore Japan's rich history and culture.
Students who have had prior contact with the Japanese language (whether through class work or experience living in a Japanese speaking environment) must contact an instructor to determine their appropriate placement into Japanese courses. Those with no prior knowledge of Japanese may enroll directly in JAPN 1100. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw.
KPU offers various levels of Japanese courses. Since not all courses are offered in every semester or on every campus, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Language and Cultures department before planning their program.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the Japanese course descriptions.
For assessment or placement test information, please see website for the Department of Language and Cultures.
Linguistics Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
Linguistics is the science of human language; it studies the structure of individual languages and aims to develop a general theory of how language works. Modern linguists investigate all aspects of how people use language and what they must know in order to do so. In examining the general structural properties of language, linguistics students learn how sounds are articulated and patterned, how words and sentences are formed and interpreted, and how context affects meaning. Students analyze examples from a variety of languages, not only English. Subfields of linguistic study examine first and second language acquisition, the neurological foundations of language, the interrelationships between language and various social factors, the historical changes of language, as well as linguistic typology and universals. Knowledge of linguistics is highly beneficial for the study and teaching of any language, but linguistic research also shares concerns with practically every human science, from psychology and neurology to anthropology, criminology, history, literary study, sociology, and political science.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the Linguistics course descriptions.
Linguistics courses are offered in English.
Linguistics courses cannot be used to satisfy the KPU Bachelor of Arts second language requirement.
Mandarin Courses
Offered at Richmond
Mandarin has more native speakers in the world than any other language, including English. It is the official language of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, one of the major languages (or lingua franca) used in the Chinese communities outside China, and one of the six official working languages at the United Nations. It is becoming the second largest language spoken in Metro Vancouver. Knowledge in Mandarin can be part of various kinds of education programs and degrees at KPU, and is also a definite asset for increased employment opportunities, in areas of business in particular, both at home and overseas.
Any student with Mandarin 12 or with previous language skills meeting or exceeding the learning outcomes of MAND 1100 is not permitted to register in this introductory course. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw.
To help students register in the right course level, the Department of Language and Cultures has instituted guidelines for Mandarin course registration available at kpu.ca/mandarin. Students are strongly advised to refer to these guidelines for self-assessment before registering for a course.
KPU offers various levels of Mandarin courses. Since not all courses are offered in every semester, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Language and Cultures department before planning their program.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the Mandarin course descriptions.
For assessment or placement test information, please see website for the Department of Language and Cultures.
Punjabi Courses
Offered at Surrey
Punjabi is spoken by 80 million people in South Asia. In B.C., it is the fourth most commonly spoken language. Learning Punjabi helps students communicate with people in the large Punjabi community and explore its cultural importance.
Any student with recent Punjabi 12 or with previous language skills meeting or exceeding the learning outcomes of PUNJ 1100 or 1101 is not permitted to register in these introductory courses. PUNJ 1100 is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of Punjabi (Gurmukhi). They will use the communicative approach to develop the ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write Punjabi while further exploring the Punjabi culture. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw.
KPU offers various levels of Punjabi courses. Since not all courses are offered in every semester, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Language and Cultures department before planning their program.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the Punjabi course descriptions.
For assessment or placement test information, please see website for the Department of Language and Cultures.
Spanish Courses
Offered at Richmond, Langley, and Surrey
Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world and the official language of 21 countries with a combined population of 350 million. Learning Spanish helps students explore different parts of the world and have opportunities to work in trade or business fields.
Any student with Spanish 12 or with previous language skills meeting or exceeding the learning outcome of SPAN 1100 is not permitted to register in the introductory course. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw. Generally, students who are native speakers of Spanish are not permitted to register in the lower level language course. For information on some exceptions, please contact the instructors.
KPU offers various levels of Spanish courses. Since not all courses are offered in every semester or on every campus, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Language and Cultures department before planning their program.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the Spanish course descriptions.
For assessment or placement test information, please see website for the Department of Language and Cultures.
In this section
Student Profile
Our courses attract students who are intrigued by other cultures, interested in learning new languages or improving existing language skills, and interested in linguistics. Our courses also enhance career and employment opportunities in a variety of fields such as education, government, foreign affairs, health care, media, business, tourism, and transportation, as well as open doors to exciting intercultural experiences both locally and globally.
Career Opportunities
Employers know that students of foreign languages bring with them marketable skills, especially the ability to interact confidently with people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The B.A. Minor in Language and Culture will allow you to:
- Develop skills and knowledge for employment in socially and culturally diverse communities
- Participate in and contribute to an increasingly global society
- Enhance your future career prospects in education, business, media, government, health care, immigration, transportation, foreign affairs, tourism, banking, and other areas where cross-cultural communication skills are in high demand