For the first time, University of Exeter’s Evening Language Programme in the UK will offer a Kurdish Kurmanji course for beginners.

The courses are open to students and non-students who want to advance their language skills and registration will start on September 29.

Astrid Hermes, Coordinator of the Evening Language Programme, told local news outlet Loop South West that Kurmanji is a widely spoken yet underrepresented language in formal education.

“Through this course, students and community members come together to strengthen their reading and writing skills in Kurmanji using the Latin alphabet, while also engaging with Kurdish culture, history, and identity. It provides a valuable space for cross-cultural exchange, encouraging dialogue and fostering intercultural understanding.”

According to the Exeter website, Kurdish Kurmanji Beginners Part I is an engaging and inclusive course designed for anyone eager to explore the Kurdish language and culture.

“Whether you are a complete beginner, a heritage speaker with limited literacy, or simply curious about the Kurdish language, this course offers a supportive environment to build foundational language skills and cultural understanding.”

Read More: New Kurdish Digital Archive Launched

Apart from the Kurdish language course, Exeter University also has a Centre of Kurdish Studies established in 2006, which also includes a MA and PhD program and a Kurdish digital archive.