Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization, University of Washington
The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilization (NELC) is devoted to teaching and research concerning the principal cultures and languages of the Near and Middle East, including Central Asia, emphasizing not only their contemporary manifestations but also their ancient and medieval roots, and their significance within the history of world civilizations.
Our language and thematic curricula investigate major literary and cultural traditions. Arabic, Persian, Tajik, Turkish, and Central Asian Turkic (such as Uzbek, Kazakh, and Kirghiz) are the languages of the most significant manifestations of Islamic civilization. Hebrew and Aramaic are languages of the Bible, and central to Judaism and Jewish culture. A rich and vast heritage from other ancient Near Eastern cultures is explored through study of languages and literatures such as Egyptian (Hieroglyphic, Coptic), Akkadian, Ugaritic, Phoenician, and Syriac.
In this endeavor NELC is committed to excellence in interdisciplinary research, historical and linguistic training, innovative pedagogical approaches to learning, and expanding awareness of and appreciation for non-Western cultures, past and present.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Department of Near Eastern
Languages and Civilization
Box 353120
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington 98195-3120
Phone: (206) 543-6033
Fax: (206) 685-7936
http://depts.washington.edu/nelc/Souce: University of Washington
