U.S. Marines to put foreign language learning to use

Marines to put foreign language learning to use

By: Julie Fertig

http://news14.com/content/local_news/coastal/613252/marines-to-put-foreign-language-learning-to-use/

CAMP LEJEUNE – Some Camp Lejeune Marines are learning to master foreign languages that they could eventually use in Afghanistan and other places overseas.
The pilot program enables U.S. Marine Corps Special Operators to double as translators.

17 Marines are enrolled in the program. They're learning to speak one of five languages fluently, including Urdu (Pakistan), Poshtu (Pakistan), Dari (Afghanistan), French and Indonesian.

Linguistics program manager Todd Amis said Marine Special Operators will no longer have to rely on a third-party to communicate while deployed.

"I'm not saying that when you utilize a translator that things get out of place, but unfortunately it is better that we are the person being represented and our goals and ideas are being accomplished," Amis said.

Marines are selected for the program by performing well on a language efficiency test.


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