Department of State : comprehensive plan needed to address persistent foreign language shortfalls /

Proficiency in foreign languages is a key skill for U.S. diplomats to advance U.S. interests overseas. GAO has issued several reports highlighting the Department of State's (State) persistent foreign language shortages. In 2006, GAO recommended that State evaluate the effectiveness of its effor...

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Bibliographic Details
Corporate Authors:	United States. Government Accountability Office, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia
Format:	Government Document eBook
Language:	English
Published:	[Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2009]
Subjects:	United States. > Department of State > Personnel management. United States. > Department of State > Officials and employees > Training of. Diplomatic and consular service, American > Recruiting. United States > Officials and employees > Foreign countries. United States > Officials and employees > Foreign countries > Foreign language competency.
Online Access:	https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS119165

Description
Summary:	Proficiency in foreign languages is a key skill for U.S. diplomats to advance U.S. interests overseas. GAO has issued several reports highlighting the Department of State's (State) persistent foreign language shortages. In 2006, GAO recommended that State evaluate the effectiveness of its efforts to improve the language proficiency of its staff. State responded by providing examples of activities it believed addressed our recommendation. In this report, which updates the 2006 report, GAO (1) examined the extent to which State is meeting its foreign language requirements and the potential impact of any shortfall, (2) assessed State's efforts to meet its foreign language requirements and described the challenges it faces in doing so, and (3) assessed the extent to which State has a comprehensive strategy to determine and meet these requirements. GAO analyzed data on State's overseas language-designated positions; reviewed strategic planning and budgetary documents; interviewed State officials; and conducted fieldwork in China, Egypt, India, Tunisia, and Turkey. To address State's persistent foreign language shortfalls, GAO recommends that the Secretary of State develop a comprehensive, strategic plan that links all of State's efforts to meet its foreign language requirements. State generally agreed with GAO's recommendations.
Item Description:	Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Sept. 24, 2009). "September 2009." "GAO-09-955." Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	1 online resource (ii, 36 pages) : color illustrations
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.