Learn Tagalog at Yale: New Language Course Set for Fall 2025

Exciting news for language enthusiasts and the Filipino community: Yale University will be introducing a Tagalog course in the fall of 2025. This initiative comes on the heels of the Tagalog at Yale program, which was established within the university’s Filipinx club, Kasama, in the fall of 2023. The move signifies a growing recognition of the importance of Tagalog and Filipino culture within academic institutions.

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What we know so far about the Tagalog at Yale program

The Council on Southeast Asian Studies at Yale is actively seeking a Filipino (Tagalog) lecturer to spearhead this new course. The selected educator will be appointed for a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal, and will be responsible for teaching six courses annually. This role will also involve collaboration with faculty teaching Vietnamese and Indonesian languages, enhancing the university's Southeast Asian Studies offerings, including exciting study abroad opportunities.

Before the formal introduction of the Tagalog course, Yale had an independent program allowing students to study Filipino without earning course credit. This previous initiative paired students with native speakers, providing a foundation for language learning. However, many students, including Janina Gbenoba ’27 from Kasama, expressed a strong desire for a more structured, credit-bearing class. “Tagalog is the fourth most-spoken language in the US, and we believe it deserves a place at Yale,” Gbenoba stated, emphasising the interest among both Filipino students and those outside the culture.

The inclusion of Tagalog in Yale’s curriculum reflects a broader trend among U.S. universities recognizing the significance of this language. Notably, Harvard University began offering a Tagalog course in March 2023, with the hiring of Cavite teacher Lady Aileen Orsal to lead the program. This growing interest in Tagalog education across prestigious institutions highlights the increasing appreciation for Filipino culture and language.

As Yale prepares to launch this new offering, it also opens the door for more students to engage with and learn about Filipino heritage. The university hopes that the Tagalog course will not only serve its Filipino community but also pique the interest of students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding of the rich cultural tapestry that Tagalog represents.

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In a world increasingly interconnected through travel and culture, the opportunity to learn Tagalog at a prestigious institution like Yale is a significant step forward. For those passionate about exploring new languages and cultures, this new course promises to be an enriching experience. Keep an eye on Yale's announcements for more information on how to enrol and participate in this exciting academic venture!

All image credit goes to Yale University | Official Website