Abstract

There has been a recent government-wide effort to examine the nation’s language needs for both the purposes of security and to increase general cultural awareness. Recent surveys of government agencies have shown that more than 80 agencies require some sort of foreign language capability to complete their missions. These surveys were, however, completed before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stood up, and while there may be great need for foreign language capabilities in DHS, such as in their border patrol or customs duties, that need has not been fully documented. An assessment of DHS language needs would provide information about current and future needs and would allow the department to properly implement procedures to alleviate any problems. Potential language needs are discussed and several recommendations are made to DHS so that they could work to maintain their language capabilities, rather than fall behind.

Recommended Citation

Tare, Medha (2006) "Assessing the Foreign Language Needs of the Department of Homeland Security," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: 10.2202/1547-7355.1150
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jhsem/vol3/iss1/5