Ibrahim Gardner
Hispanic Studies is a popular field of study for university students, with many institutions offering courses in the subject. These courses often involve studying the Spanish language, as well as the cultures and histories of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Students may also have the opportunity to learn other languages, such as Portuguese, Catalan, or Basque. Some universities even offer year-abroad programmes in Spain, Latin America, or Portugal, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture of their chosen region. In the US, universities with high Hispanic or Latino student populations are known as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and there are over 500 of them across the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of HSI | Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is a college or university where Hispanic students make up at least 25% of the full-time equivalent student body |
| HSI student body | In some cases, HSIs are comprised of 62% or more Hispanic students |
| HSI benefits | HSIs offer a sense of belonging and understanding of the culture and student population |
| HSI locations | HSIs are found in metropolitan areas with increasing Hispanic and Latino populations, including Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Miami |
| HSI goals | HSIs aim to increase the amount of Hispanic or Latino students in higher education and graduating from higher education institutions |
| HSI funding | HSIs receive federal funding, with funding streams including Title V, introduced in 1998 |
| HSI recognition | The US Department of Education certifies HSIs, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) recognizes 600 nonprofit HSIs |
| Language options at Durham University | Spanish, Russian, French, Arabic |
| Language options at University of Liverpool | Spanish, Portuguese, Basque, Catalan |
| Language options at University of Nottingham | Spanish, Portuguese |
| Language options at University College London | Spanish |
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What You'll Learn
Spanish and Portuguese
Portuguese is the sixth most commonly spoken language globally, with approximately 220 million native speakers and around 270 million total speakers. It is the most spoken language in South America and is more widely spoken than French and German combined. Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, is home to the most significant number of Portuguese speakers. One out of every three Latin Americans and one out of every two South Americans speak Portuguese.
Several universities offer courses in Spanish and Portuguese as part of their Hispanic Studies programs. For instance, the University of Liverpool offers a Hispanic Studies BA (Hons) program that covers the languages, literatures, cultures, and histories of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Students can take a Spanish language module at a beginner or advanced level, alongside another language or cultural module per semester. In the second and final years, students can choose to study Portuguese as a second language. The University of Nottingham offers a similar BA Hons program in Hispanic Studies, where students can learn Spanish from scratch or post-A-level and have the option to continue with Portuguese in the second year. In the third year, students can live and study in Spain, Latin America, Portugal, or Brazil.
Princeton University offers a graduate program in Spanish and Portuguese, aiming to train students to become effective teachers and scholars of these languages and their respective cultures. Students specializing in Hispanic literatures and cultures are required to take at least one 500-level course taught in Portuguese, while those focusing on Luso-Afro-Brazilian topics must take a course taught in Spanish. The University of Pittsburgh also offers a Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian Cultures minor, providing students with the opportunity to learn the Portuguese language and the cultures of Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
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Russian and Spanish
Russian is the primary language of Russia, the largest country in the world by landmass. It is also spoken in many other countries, including Ukraine, Siberia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Russian has a unique and intriguing sound, and many consider it one of the coolest-sounding languages worldwide. Learning Russian can provide insight into Russian culture and history, including the era of Communism. Additionally, Russia has a rich literary heritage, with renowned writers like Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov, whose works can be appreciated in their original language by Russian speakers.
Spanish, on the other hand, is widely spoken across the globe, with significant populations of Spanish speakers in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe. It is the official language of 20 countries and is considered a world language. Studying Spanish can enhance employability and earnings potential, as it is a valuable skill in various industries, including finance, law, and international business. Additionally, Spanish is known for its diverse accents and dialects, which can improve comprehension skills when interacting with speakers from different regions.
Both languages offer distinct advantages and provide opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and communities. For students interested in exploring multiple languages, Russian and Spanish can be a fascinating combination, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards.
In terms of their interplay, Russian and Spanish have had some interesting historical connections. During the Spanish Civil War, many Spaniards emigrated to the USSR. Later, with the Cuban Revolution, the Soviets focused on Cuba, further intertwining their cultures and languages. Today, there is a growing demand for Spanish language education in Russia, with several bilingual centres in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. These centres promote cultural exchange and facilitate the acquisition of Spanish as a second language for Russians.
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French and Spanish
Spanish and French are two of the most widely spoken modern languages in the world. French has over 300 million speakers globally and is the official language in several diverse places, including France, Louisiana, Martinique, and Belgium. On the other hand, Spanish is the official language in 20 countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and Spain, and is spoken by 121 million people in Mexico alone, making it the country with the largest population of Spanish speakers. In the United States, Spanish is also the most-studied language, with 50% of college students and 70% of K-12 students choosing to learn it.
At the University of Oxford, students can study French or Spanish on its own or in combination with another modern European language, such as Italian, Portuguese, or German. Additionally, French or Spanish can be paired with a Middle Eastern language like Arabic or Hebrew. The university's undergraduate course in these languages reflects the richness and diversity of the languages and cultures of Spain, as well as Central and South American countries.
Durham University, which is home to one of the best Hispanic Studies departments in the UK, offers a BA in Modern Languages and Cultures with Spanish as one of the languages. Students can also study Spanish alongside history, classics, English, music, philosophy, or theology. Additionally, combined honours in social sciences allow students to combine Spanish with subjects like economics, geography, or politics.
The University of Evansville highlights the importance of studying Spanish, noting that it can provide better communication with Spanish speakers and distinguish individuals in competitive job markets. It also enables a deeper understanding of Hispanic cultural contributions and accomplishments and can enhance one's enjoyment of Spanish songs and films.
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Arabic and Spanish
The Moorish conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD marked the beginning of an 800-year rule that left an indelible mark on Spanish culture and language. Arabic speakers introduced innovative concepts and technologies, such as the compass, astrolabe, and the idea of zero, which later enabled Spanish explorers like Columbus to embark on their journeys of discovery. The Moorish influence on the Spanish language is undeniable, with numerous Arabic loanwords and derivations becoming a part of everyday Spanish speech.
For instance, consider the Arabic word "nāranja" (orange), which bears a striking resemblance to the Spanish "naranja." The Arabic phrase "law sha Allah" (if God wills) is echoed in the Spanish expression "ojalá" (I hope). Even the exclamation "¡ole!" or "olé," used to express approval or encouragement, is believed to have its roots in the Arabic phrase "wa-llah" (by Allah!). These examples illustrate the depth of Arabic influence on the Spanish language, showcasing how historical interactions between cultures can lead to enduring linguistic connections.
At academic institutions like Durham University and the University of Chicago, students continue to explore these connections by studying Arabic and Spanish. The University of Chicago's Arabic Language Program, established in 1893, offers a rigorous curriculum that includes grammar, speaking, listening, and cultural immersion. Similarly, Durham University's Hispanic Studies program provides students with the opportunity to interact with instructors from various Spanish-speaking regions, enhancing their comprehension skills and employability.
The study of Arabic and Spanish by Hispanic university students can be a fascinating journey of linguistic and cultural discovery. By delving into the similarities and differences between these languages, students can gain a deeper understanding of the historical interactions and exchanges that have shaped the modern world.
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Catalan and Portuguese
Catalan
The University of Liverpool offers Catalan as part of its Hispanic Studies BA (Hons) course. Students on this course will spend at least seven months in Year 3 studying or working in a Catalan-speaking region. They will learn about the history, society, and culture of the Catalan region while also learning to write and speak the language.
Indiana University Bloomington also offers Catalan as a course, where students can learn about the intricate relations between language, culture, the modern state, and globalization.
Portuguese
The University of Liverpool offers Portuguese as a language option for students taking Hispanic Studies as a Major or Single Honours degree. The University of Nottingham also offers Portuguese as part of its Hispanic Studies BA (Hons) course. Students can also spend part of the year in Portugal and/or Brazil.
The University of Pittsburgh offers a Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian Cultures minor for students interested in studying the language and the cultures of Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries. Similarly, Indiana University Bloomington offers a Portuguese BA.
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Frequently asked questions
A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is a college or university where Hispanic or Latino students make up at least 25% of the full-time student body. In the 2021-22 academic year, 572 institutions met this criterion, up from 539 in 2018-19. HSIs are found in metropolitan areas with increasing Hispanic populations, such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Miami.
Hispanic university students may study a variety of languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Basque, Arabic, and Russian. For example, the University of Liverpool offers a Hispanic Studies BA (Hons) programme that allows students to develop Spanish language skills and introduces them to Iberian and Latin American histories and cultures. Similarly, the University of Nottingham offers a Hispanic Studies BA (Hons) programme that includes Spanish and Portuguese language modules.
One significant benefit for Hispanic students attending an HSI is a sense of belonging. An environment where a large portion of the student body is Hispanic can help students feel more comfortable and connected on campus. This can be especially valuable for first-generation college students, as a sense of belonging has been linked to higher persistence and success in school.
