All languages that are currently used by speakers for communication are called ‘Modern Languages’. They can be distinguished from ‘Classical Languages’ (e.g. Latin and Classical Chinese) that are not spoken anymore and studied for reading, translation and research purposes only.

The Modern Languages offered at CUHK currently comprise European languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish) as well as Asian languages (Hong Kong Sign Language, Korean, Thai and Chinese Language as a Second Language). Other languages may be included from time to time according to demand.