Japanese
Japanese, spoken by the 127.3 million inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago, is the ninth most widely spoken language in the world, and represents the third largest economy. Its appeal is increasingly enhanced by many cultural exports (manga, anime, martial arts, kawaii culture, and much else) that have grown exponentially over recent years. Many students of this language also find it to be a valued skill for work in business, government, the travel industry, and numerous fields of research.
Japanese News
Newly renovated Language Commons creates space for connection, collaboration
The Language Commons in Stevenson Hall, room 227B, has a new look thanks to help from the Academic Enhancement Fund.
Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Welcomes New Faculty
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures welcomed two new non-tenure track faculty members this fall. Francesco Ferrari earned his undergrad and master’s from the University of Bologna (Italy), and his PhD in Italian Studies at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. His research examines the notion of nostalgia in Italian culture and literature between 19th and 20th centuries. Francesco taught Italian
Holocaust remembrance trip among life-changing study abroad opportunities available to students
For students searching for a life-changing study abroad experience, we have highlighted three opportunities on three continents.Japanese Alumni
"As I worked to complete my East Asian Studies minor and learned more about Japanese history, culture, and language, I fell in love with Japan. I studied abroad in Asahikawa, Japan, for one month and decided to move to Japan upon graduation."
—Daily Spangler ’14
minor in East Asian Studies
Interdisciplinary programs
Students can also participate in the several interdisciplinary programs at Illinois State: