Intermediate and Advanced Yoruba
WISLI offers high-quality, proficiency-driven online courses in Yoruba. Courses are open to undergraduates, graduate students, adult learners, and high school juniors and seniors. This accelerated eight-week program is equivalent to one year of language study, developing speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills through intensive instruction and a range of engaging co-curricular activities.
Program Dates: June 15–August 7, 2026.
Classes
As a special offering of the WISLI, Yoruba courses will meet synchronously via Zoom, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (CDT), with ample breaks included.
Learn More
Email wisli@lpo.wisc.edu or schedule an advising appointment to receive more information.
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Student Voices
“My WISLI experience was transformative. The courses were engaging, and the instructors were deeply knowledgeable and supportive. The immersive environment pushed me to grow my language skills quickly. The cultural activities enriched my understanding and brought the language to life. Studying with WISLI brought me closer to my goal using of using Yoruba to improve healthcare systems in Africa.”
– Hezouwe, Yoruba 2025
Sample Syllabi with Textbook Info
Here you’ll find sample syllabi, including textbook information, from intermediate (3rd & 4th semester) and advanced (5th & 6th semester) Yoruba that are offered through WISLI. Please note that syllabi and textbooks may vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Questions about syllabi or course offerings can be directed to wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.
Sponsors and Mission
Intensive, summer Yoruba study is administered by the Language Program Office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The study of Yoruba is sponsored and supported by the Department of African Cultural Studies and Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center (IRIS NRC).
Institutions, organizations, or individuals interested in partnering with WISLI are invited to contact wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.
WISLI is dedicated to training students, faculty, and professionals in Yoruba through its primary and secondary missions:
Primary Mission
WISLI’s primary mission is two-fold: [1] to provide high-quality instruction in less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) and [2] to prepare instructors with strong training in language pedagogy. To this end, WISLI offers intensive summer programs for Yoruba at the intermediate and advanced levels, along with pedagogy workshops on best practices and innovative teaching tools. Our small, proficiency-based classes focus on developing learners’ ability to use language confidently in real-world situations.
Secondary Mission
WISLI also seeks to expand the number of global professionals with strong language and cultural expertise who can navigate diverse cultural contexts. In addition, WISLI aims to support heritage language learners and address the multilingual needs of local communities. To advance these goals, WISLI contributes a national community of practice for LCTL instructors and learners, promotes collaboration with institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and champions LCTL study through a variety of outreach initiatives.