About Us

The Less-Commonly-Taught Languages (LCTL) Center in the Department of Linguistics was founded in 1970 as the Uncommonly Taught Languages unit of the Language Acquisition Institute. The Center was created to expand options for language study at the University of Pittsburgh. It continues to be an invaluable resource for students, the University of Pittsburgh, and the greater Pittsburgh community, and has become an important asset for the field of language instruction.

Our Mission

The mission of the Less-Commonly-Taught Languages (LCTL) Center is to:

  • provide students at the University of Pittsburgh with opportunities to develop proficiency and cultural competence in a geographically and linguistically diverse set of languages;
  • foster in students an understanding of and appreciation for the diverse languages and cultures of the world;
  • equip students with linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills to facilitate their success in academic and professional pursuits;
  • engage in scholarly activities and collaborations that advance the teaching and learning of less-commonly-taught languages; and
  • support development of a global mindset that embraces inclusivity and cultural diversity.

The faculty, staff, and students of the LCTL Center work together to accomplish this mission and to maintain a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse learning community that strengthens the University of Pittsburgh and the region.