Strengthening homeland security through improved foreign language capability
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Authors
Stevens, Sean C.
Subjects
Homeland defense
homeland security
defense
security
linguist
linguists
interpreter
interpreters
foreign languages
FBI
DHS
DOS
DTRA
CASL
CDLC
Language Flagship
NSEP
national security education program
Boren scholarship
Middlebury
middlebury
immersion
language
isolation-immersion
OS
OSI
on-site inspection
language training
NPS
naval postgraduate school
homeland security
defense
security
linguist
linguists
interpreter
interpreters
foreign languages
FBI
DHS
DOS
DTRA
CASL
CDLC
Language Flagship
NSEP
national security education program
Boren scholarship
Middlebury
middlebury
immersion
language
isolation-immersion
OS
OSI
on-site inspection
language training
NPS
naval postgraduate school
Advisors
Dahl, Erik
Date of Issue
2011-12
Date
December 2011
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In this thesis, I examine the best ways to meet post-9/11 language requirements for homeland defense and security. I look at language programs at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the State, the Homeland Security (DHS), the New York Police Department (NYPD), and a federally sponsored initiative called the Language Flagship. I then examine how trained linguists reach native-like proficiency, drawing on existing studies and original research of the interpreter program at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Analysis reveals that motivation, time-on-task, and immersion are the most important individual factors in attaining high-level foreign language proficiency. In addition, organizations which utilize native or heritage speakers, conduct proficiency testing, offer language-related incentives (not to include proficiency pay), and offer regular exposure to foreign language at work, are most successful. While these factors are necessary for an organization's success, they alone are not sufficient. DTRA, NYPD, and FBI's Language Analyst programs successfully utilize foreign language capability for homeland defense and security, although each accomplishes this goal in vastly different ways. This thesis argues that expanded use of native and heritage speakers, more regular and high-level training, and expanded use of immersion, would lead to improved foreign language capability.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xx, 110 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.