[lg policy] US State Dept.'s Growing Language Barrier

[Harold Schiffman]

 Forwarded From:  edling at lists.sis.utsa.edu


Atlantic Online



The State Dept.'s Growing Language Barrier



GAO recently released a report
(http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09955.pdf) on "persistent foreign
language shortfalls" in the Foreign Service, the diplomatic arm of the
State department. 31% of overseas officers stationed at
language-designated positions fall short of the speaking and reading
proficiency requirements for their jobs. This number rises to roughly
40% when focused on officers serving in locations of strategic
significance, like East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.



Full story:

http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/09/americas_language_barrier.php

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