What does it mean when you could major in a language?

Question

I was just wondering if you wanted to take a language, does it mean you have to already know how to speak, read, and write it?

Answer 1

In the US, majoring in a language means that you would take 4 years of progressively harder coursework in your language until you reached near fluency. Often, a school tests you before you begin your language classes to see which class you start in. You could start at the very beginning, or if you have some experience in a language, you could skip a class or two. If you are able to skip a class, this means you'll have more time your last year in college to take more advanced or specialized classes (in literature or business language, for example).

Answer 2

You are there to learn, not already know.
The goal of a language major is to learn and study a language that is not native to you, and discover both the speaking, the literature, and the culture behind it.
Most language majors require practical application, fluency, and history of the country of the language's origin.
Language majors who become fluent get great jobs as translators for hotel services, public service, and for large companies who do business in foreign countries.
If you know it already, why not study a similar language and learn some of the regional dialects?

Answer 3

No. By majoring in a language, you'll more than likely be required to take a beginner/refresher course to learn the basics of that language. After that, the classes will get more and more thorough with the language.