The World Languages and Cultures Department at Normandale Community College is proud to be the largest language department within the Minnesota State system.
We offer a two-year sequence of beginning and intermediate language studies in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Somali and Spanish. The French and Spanish Divisions also offer courses beyond the intermediate level.
To complement the language courses, each semester the department offers Civilization and Culture courses along with a Spanish for Educators course, and a non-language specific Introduction to Interpreting and Translating course.
The World Languages and Cultures Department offers students opportunities to become confident and competent participants in today’s global society.
Throughout the two-year language program, students both develop and strengthen reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, while gaining knowledge and understanding of other cultures, connecting with other disciplines, and participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world.
Minnesota companies need employees with cultural and linguistic competencies to succeed in our global economy. Learn how studying a language at Normandale Community College will help you compete in today’s global community.
The number of Spanish-speaking Minnesotans has increased 75% since 2000. Knowing Spanish will enhance your career opportunities in government, business, education, medicine, law, hospitality management, retail industry, law enforcement and social services, just to name a few.
Studying French is an invaluable asset for students who wish to pursue careers in engineering, medicine and international business with 34% of Minnesota's foreign trade being with French-speaking countries.
German companies are the backbone of the European economy, and 38% of Minnesotans claim German heritage. Education in German gives students a knowledge that enables them to work and travel in areas of the world where German is spoken.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the United States. The Somali courses at Normandale will prepare individuals to participate in diverse local and global communities and benefit students across a wide range of disciplines such as education, healthcare and law enforcement.
Japan is the world’s 3rd largest economy and learning the language is practical for students wanting to pursue careers in Energy, Medical Research, Material Science, Environmental Technology and Robotics to name a few.
Learn the language and culture of the country who is on the path of becoming the world's largest economy by 2030.