Italian is one of four Latin-based (or Romance) languages taught in the Department of Romance Languages, along with French, Portuguese, and Spanish. An estimated 180 million people worldwide speak Italian as their primary or secondary language. Almost 20 million North Americans identify as having Italian ancestry. Italy is internationally recognized for its rich contributions to art, architecture, music, literature, and philosophy. Today Italy attracts interest in a wide variety of areas, including tourism, emigrant heritage, filmmaking, fashion and design, and gastronomy. Whatever the basis of your interest, the University of Oregon s Department of Romance Languages will help you to expand your knowledge and horizons.