diff --git a/_config.yml b/_config.yml
index 7f97416b..8cb02814 100644
--- a/_config.yml
+++ b/_config.yml
@@ -37,6 +37,10 @@ flavor: "r"
 # https://github.com/carpentries/workshop-template#creating-extra-pages
 title: "Workshop Title"
 
+## human_language: the language in which the workshop is taught.
+# If set to anything other than "", a note about the language
+# of the workshop is added to the workshop description.
+human_language: ""
 
 #------------------------------------------------------------
 # Generic settings (should not need to change).
diff --git a/index.md b/index.md
index b61583b5..1f4c1a68 100644
--- a/index.md
+++ b/index.md
@@ -103,6 +103,20 @@ workshop is only open to people from a particular institution.
 {% include lc/who.html %}
 {% endif %}
 
+{% comment %}
+HUMAN LANGUAGE
+{% endcomment %}
+
+{% unless site.human_language == "" %}
+<p id="human-language">
+  <strong>The workshop will be conducted in {{ site.human_language }}.</strong>
+  For this course, we will expect our participants to have basic understanding
+  of {{ site.human_language }}. We will have several helpers to assist you if
+  you need assistance with understanding the lesson material.
+</p>
+{% endunless %}
+
+
 {% comment %}
 LOCATION