FAQ

Do you teach (fill in name of language)?

If the language that you wish to learn is not listed on our language list, we are not teaching it at the present. However, the language you seek may still be taught in another department of the University of Pittsburgh. Many languages often considered “less-commonly-taught” are in fact offered in the degree programs of other departments in the University. You can consult any of the following University of Pittsburgh departments for further information.

I have an interest in studying the (fill in name) language. Is there any way you can offer this course in the future?

In order to offer instruction in a particular language, several things must come together. We need to see interest from several students, we need to locate an instructor who is qualified to teach that language, and we need to secure financial support for that instructor’s salary, course materials, and training. Please contact us, if you would like to express interest in learning a particular language that we do not offer.

I am fluent in the (fill in name) language. I would like to know if there is any way I could teach the (fill in name) language at the LCTL Center if such a course might become available.

Thank you for your interest in teaching at the LCTL Center. However, it may be the case that all instructor positions for the languages we teach are filled, or there might currently be no demand for that language. In any case, please feel free to send us your résumé in the event that a position becomes available. Our address and further contact information appears below. Please contact Claude Mauk for more information.

I would like to take a test to show that I have proficiency in one of your less-commonly-taught languages in order to fulfill my foreign language requirement at Pitt (or at another university). Can I be tested at the LCTL Center?

Yes, we offer proficiency testing in the languages that we teach. Please contact us for more information.

What is the Language Acquisition Institute?

The LCTL Center was called the Language Acquisition Institute until 2001when we changed our name to the Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center. Academic units with this name exist in many colleges and universities throughout the country. You can visit www.councilnet.org for more information.

Is LCTL part of the Language Media Center?

The Robert Henderson Language Media Center and the LCTL Center are both parts of the Department of Linguistics. The LMC can be found in room G-17 in the Cathedral of Learning.

Can I take your language classes if I am not currently a student at the University of Pittsburgh?

Yes! Please see this page for more information on how to enroll.

Can I audit your classes

You can audit our classes officially through the

I have a question that was not been answered by your FAQ page. How can I contact you?

You can contact us directly at:
412-624-5512,
Fax: 412-624-6130
E-mail: lctl@pitt.edu

or U.S. mail at:

University of Pittsburgh
Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center
G-47 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Our office, which is located in CL G-47, is staffed by a LCTL Center Teaching Assistant. View our office schedule for available times.