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STUDYING THE LANGUAGES and LITERATURE OF EAST ASIA
to better understand its cultures, history and people.


Who We Are

A professor teaching in a Chinese Poetry classroom

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (EALL) focuses on teaching and research on the languages and cultures of China, Japan and Korea. We offer undergraduate majors and minors in all three language tracks, as well as a unique master’s program in Chinese.

Our internationally published faculty are experts in the languages, culture and literature of East Asian peoples, from ancient civilizations to modern times. In today’s global economy, knowledge of East Asia can provide a crucial stepping stone to careers in academia, business, diplomacy, government, medicine, law and much more.

 

News from EALL

 

EALL Language and Culture Prize

EALL Language and Culture Prize

December 10, 2025

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (EALL) is now accepting submissions for the EALL Language and Culture Prize. The application form must be submitted by February 26, 2026. To apply, click the link in the title above.

Dusty Rogers J. Live winner 2025

From Appalachia to Japan: GW Senior Wins Top Prize in National Japanese Speech Contest

November 18, 2025

Dusty Rogers, a senior double-majoring in data science and Japanese, came to GW not knowing a word of Japanese. Now she is a Gold Award winner at J.LIVE Talk.

Students at the ceremony

Students attended Seijin-shiki "Coming of Age Ceremony" at Embassy of Japan

February 9, 2025

On January 15, 2025, the Embassy of Japan held the first Seijin-shiki ("Coming of Age Ceremony") for students studying Japanese in the D.C. area. Fifteen GW students were among more than 70 attendees.

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Our Focus Areas


“The lessons I learned at GW on my Korean journey will be with me throughout my life. Not only did I learn that I can follow and create my own paths; I learned to follow my passions wherever they may lead me. It is difficult for me to think about where I would be had it not been for learning Korean and creating my own major. One thing I do know for certain is that I would not be on the amazing journey that I am on today.”

Janelle McDowell
BA ‘15, Special Interdisciplinary Major, Korean Language and Literature