Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen)
Haitian Creole is the most widely spoken Creole language in the world and a vital part of Haiti’s history, identity, and cultural expression. Duke has offered Haitian Creole since 2013, drawing students interested in public health, global development, the arts, and Caribbean studies.
Instructor: Jacques Pierre
Course Sequence: Elementary I–II, Intermediate I–II, and occasional Advanced Haitian Creole.
Turkish (Türkçe)
Spoken across Türkiye and throughout the Turkish diaspora, Turkish connects students to the cultural, historical, and political richness of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Turkish joined the consortium in 2021 and continues to grow in popularity among students in global studies, political science, and cultural studies.
Instructor: Didem Havlioğlu
Course Sequence: Elementary I–II, Intermediate I–II, and occasional Advanced Turkish.
Cherokee
Cherokee is one of the most historically significant Indigenous languages in North America and remains central to Cherokee cultural and community life. Duke added Cherokee in 2024 as part of a broader initiative to expand access to Indigenous languages and support language revitalization.
Instructor: Gilliam Jackson
Course Sequence: Elementary I–II and Intermediate I–II.
Quechua
Quechua is a diverse family of languages spoken by approximately ten million people throughout the greater Andean region from Argentina to Colombia. Quechua students will have the opportunity to study language as a dynamic part of living and continually evolving cultures, and in relation to the dramatic and diverse landscapes of the Andean region. Learning Quechua offers an opportunity not only to connect with the history and culture of the Andes but also opens doors to new ways of thinking about nature, space, time, ethics, and social relations. Quechua has been offered at Duke University since Fall 2025.
Instructor: Joshua Shapero
Swahili (Kiswahili)
(Via the University of Virginia)
A major lingua franca of East Africa, Swahili offers students access to research, study abroad, and community engagement opportunities in Kenya, Tanzania, and the East African region.
K’iche’ Maya
(Via Vanderbilt University)
Spoken by over one million people in Guatemala, K’iche’ connects students to Indigenous communities, anthropological research, and language preservation efforts.
Enrollment & Credit
- All courses taken through Duke, UVA, and Vanderbilt count fully for Duke degree credit.
- Audit options are available for every course, providing flexible pathways for students, staff, and faculty who want to learn a language without earning credit.
- Courses follow a four-semester sequence (Elementary I–II and Intermediate I–II), with additional advanced offerings available in Haitian Creole and Turkish when demand allows.
For more information please contact Didem Havlioglu: didem.havli@duke.edu
