SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING THE LANGUAGE TRAINING PROGRAM WHICH MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN AN ARTICLE ON CIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-06372A000100020013-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 15, 2001
• Sequence Number: 13
• Content Type: REGULATION

Approved For Release 2001/04/09: CIA-RDP78-06372A0001, 00020013
SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING THE LANGUAGE TRAINING
PROGRAM WHICH MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN AN ARTICLE ON CIA
Recognizing the importance of foreign language competence in
performing its various tasks, CIA carries on active training programs
to cultivate foreign language proficiency among its employees. The
goal is for as many employees as possible to have a working knowledge
of at least one language other than English. With a capability to teach
more than fifty languages, CIA can stand behind this objective.
Many employees are already proficient, particularly in the widely
languages such as French, German. Russian and Spanish. CIA
videos the opportunity and encourages its employees to study many
the less known tongues as well as the so called "world languages. "
Training is comprehensive. It is designed to fit both immediate
and projected needs. It is offered both within the Agency and in outside
institutions, on a part-time or a full-time basis. Instruction is at
various levels and is given in formal classes or tutorially.
Classes are conducted before, during, and after regular working
hours, thus providing a flexible opportunity for all employees who need
such training. Up to date teaching methods are used, involving both
formal classroom instruction and a definite amount of required work
in a language laboratory. Laboratories are equipped with semi-
soundproofed booths where the student can listen to tape recordings
in the language of his study. He also has access to foreign language
records. books, maps, magazines and films.
Whenever practicable and as a supplement to CIA's internal re-
sources, many language students are sent to programs conducted by
other Government agencies and use is made of language courses in
a and other private institutions. As it is with the Agency's
sal programs for language development, students sent to outside
facilities receive training without cost to themselves other than their
effort and time.
Understanding a foreign language is not the stole province of the
employee. In an increasing number of cases, classes in the Agency
are opened to the dependents of personnel being assigned overseas in
order that they can learn at least the rudiments of a required foreign
language.
Approved For Release 2001/04/09 : CIA-RDP78-06372A000100020013-8
 Approved For Re ease 2001/04/09 : CIA-RDP78-06372A000100020013-8
The over-all aim in carrying on this extensive program is to
develop foreign language competency adequate to the Agency's needs.
Regular inventory of the language qualifications of its employees is
the Agency's barometer for this achievement. The Agency is over
aware of its expanding responsibilities, and with this awareness comes
a corresponding effort to develop and maintain the capabilities of its
employees.
Approved For Release 2001/04/09 : CIA-RDP78-06372A000100020013-8