An ability to communicate in a foreign language enhances your long term employability in the Service and beyond. French is traditionally taught in schools in Great Britain, but not everyone warms to the language: some find the pronunciation difficult. Many people get on much better with German or Spanish. Adults are frequently surprised to find that learning any language later in life can be stimulating and enjoyable. In addition to the external examinations of the Institute of Linguistics, the Royal Society of Arts, GCSE and GCE 'A' level, Service personnel are able to develop language skills by studying towards assessment by the MOD Language Examination Board (MODLEB). Success in these examinations may then lead to payment of language awards which are offered to encourage officers and airmen to develop and maintain competence in languages (Not surprisingly the Armed Forces can potentially find a use for almost any foreign language).

Learning Provision

If you are learning a language as an element of pre-employment training for a future appointment, the Service will arrange for you to undertake a course, usually at the Defence School of Languages (DSL). If you wish to learn for self improvement reasons the best way to achieve this is by attending a class on station or at a local college and your REC can advise you. If this is not a practicable option for you or if you wish to supplement the taught skills, sophisticated, interactive distance learning packages are now available on CD ROM. The BBC offers courses which are based on books, television/radio broadcasts and video/audio cassettes. Alternatively, Grant & Cutler specialises in language learning materials and their address in 55-57 Great Marlborough Street, London WV1 2AY (Tel: 1071 734 2012/8766).

For personnel who have acquired a higher level of skill ('A' Level and beyond) the University Short Course Programme (USCP) offers learning in a variety of languages. Bristol University delivers these residential courses over long weekends. Details of the course and the dates are on the purple coloured USCP posters and in the USCP booklets in your Learning Centre.

Examinations

There are 4 levels of Service language assessment as follows:

a. MODLEB Diploma.

b. MODLEB Advanced Certificate Standard.

c. Tri-Service Operational Standard.

d. Tri-Service Colloquial Standard.

The awards exist to encourage individuals to take the examinations, which helps to maintain a pool of qualified personnel to fill specialist posts or to be deployed out of area. Further information is contained in AP3379 Leaflet 1402. You may also contact the REC at your unit for details of examination dates and awards or alternatively,contact the GST Co-ordinator on Innsworth Ext 5456.

Click opposite for the BBC Website on learning languages (mainly European)
Click opposite for the UCL website on English Grammar Training
Click opposite for a site which offers a reference of languages for the traveller.
Click opposite for a user-friendly language related site.
Click opposite to visit the site of Michel Thomas, a world famous language trainer.
Linguaphone - Learn a language! Over 50 language courses available	Linguaphone Language centre