Special Language Program

The Special Language Program (SLP) offers Stanford students the opportunity to study a Less Commonly Taught Language (LCTL).  Students enroll in SLP courses because of their interest in a geographic area and its people, or in order to acquire valuable skills for field work and study abroad during their academic career.  Others study a LCTL to fulfill their requirements or to obtain a minor in Modern Languages.  Many of the students who take LCTL are connected to it through heritage and they find it a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge.  

SLP classes are usually small and they offer opportunities for individualized learning.   Instructors create specialized, proficiency-based curriculum and facilitate self-paced instruction with a learner-centered approach.  Students learn how to break linguistic and cultural barriers through opportunities for active learning, the use of authentic text and materials, and innovative uses of technology.

In addition to the current language offerings, students can request a language by filling out the Request a Language Form.  Requests for the following academic year must be submitted by Spring Quarter of the current academic year.  Please note that we receive many requests and we are not able to guarantee that we will be able to offer every requested language.