Japanese Language & Culture

Japanese Language & Culture majors develop communication skills in both spoken and written Japanese as well as knowledge of Japanese cultural and literary traditions, which go back more than 30,000 years.

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Did You Know?

• Graduates have gone on to careers in medicine, law, government, computer science and several other fields.
• The major offers seven Japanese language courses, ensuring graduates master the complexities and nuances of the discipline.

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Japanese Language & Culture include:

• Japan before 1600
• Japanese Film: Themes and Methods
• Contemporary Japanese Culture
• Zen Buddhism

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

Majoring in a foreign language provides you with many of the skills in which employers are interested, although securing a job that uses your foreign language skills can be challenging. With the exception of positions in translating, interpreting or teaching, in most cases at the entry level your language fluency is seen as a secondary skill, an asset.

One option many foreign language students pursue is taking a semester to study abroad in a foreign speaking country. This will give you not only a better handle of the language, but if you are intentional with your time abroad a number of future job connections. Other possibilities to get your feet wet are available with international volunteer organizations that require translators in the field. On the local level, Wake Forest has connections with volunteer clinics and community centers in need of interpreters.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

• Translating ideas/languages
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Perception of word patterns and structures
• Analyzing content
• Gathering information
• Summarizing
• Comparing ideas/translations
• Memorizing
• Project development and follow through
• Attention to detail
• Understanding other cultures

Clubs & Organizations

Japanese Language & Culture students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

• Asian Student Interest Association
• Japanese Studies Club
• Center for Global Programs and Studies

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Japanese Language & Culture majors include:

• Editor/Proofreader
• Educator
• Foreign Service Officer
• Interpreter
• Journalist
• Language Engineer
• Lexicographer
• Librarian
• Linguist
• Missionary
• Social worker
• Technical writer
• Translator

Graduates have pursued careers in diplomacy, business and other sectors in Japan and elsewhere.

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Ready to take the next step?