Less Commonly Taught Language Programs in the United States: Profiles, Origins, Challenges, and Goals

This study investigates less commonly taught language (LCTL) programs in the United States. Based on a survey of over one hundred programs from around the country, the study addresses the following questions: How are LCTL programs are started? What are the challenges associated with starting a LCTL program? How have these programs evolved over time? What are these programs’ goals? What contributes to the discontinuation of these programs?