Posted on Feb 10, 2015
What languages are strategically prevalent at the moment?
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I am contemplating attending DLI and started the online portion of it (Headstart) for Arabic. My frustration with it runs high and if any traces of my anger are made visible, I apologize. Arabic Headstart, Module 0 wants me to understand full-fledged conversation and answer if the statements are true or false. I am not there yet. So I am forced to reassess my choice of language. I speak a few Europpean languages already and thought that Arabic, Chinese or Korean would be the next step in my career growth. Arabic presents a challenge but not something I cannot overcome under reasonable circumstances (diligent hard work). I don't consider Headstart to be in that category.
I seek help in identifying plausible arguments to push through with Arabic and perhaps some tips on how to handle Headstart.
Or should I consider other languages due to their rise in interest?
Thank you kindly.
I seek help in identifying plausible arguments to push through with Arabic and perhaps some tips on how to handle Headstart.
Or should I consider other languages due to their rise in interest?
Thank you kindly.
Posted in these groups: 
Defense Language Institute (DLI) - Arabic (MSA)
Defense Language Institute (DLI) - Arabic (MSA)
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 6
Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Russian. You know, the hard ones who don't like us and are powerful.
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Came to comment, and found this list already here. The one additional one I would add is French. After English, it's stupid useful from a "Diplomatic" standpoint if you already know the others.
GySgt Joe Strong
Being a Single language speaker, from what I've seen, French is the equivalent of the, "If you want to be taken seriously you'll speak this language in addition to your own, then, I may forgive whatever errors you are making in mine", language.
SFC Mark Merino
Don't forget Korean. Up north, they don't play well with others. I try to watch "Team America" at least once a quarter to stay current.
@SGT Rima Rusnac
I am @DLI, study a dialect for arabic, not MSA (Iraqi, Egyptian, Levantine), or give a try to Chinese Mandarin. Stay away from the common european languages, and stay away from korean too
I am @DLI, study a dialect for arabic, not MSA (Iraqi, Egyptian, Levantine), or give a try to Chinese Mandarin. Stay away from the common european languages, and stay away from korean too
I'm marriedto a Japanese woman and in a year, her English is incredible....my Japanese is still pathetic. Let me know what you find out, brother!
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SFC Mark Merino -Trying to teach my daughter how to read....I have to say yes. "What sound does A make?" Ah...."and?" Ay...."and?"......Ah?..."Try eh"
The grey cells hurt after a while.....lol
v/r,
CPT Butler
The grey cells hurt after a while.....lol
v/r,
CPT Butler
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Something clicked in my brain when I heard English for the first time. It came rather easily to me. Not bragging, of course, just yet another proof how different our mental capacities are. But we are all meant for greatness, I say.
SFC Mark Merino
Some people are hard wired for great stuff like music, language, and artistic ability.......then there is me.
Arabic is going to be big until we nuke the middle east. Relax. The headstart program is to get you used to the flow of the language. That being said, the DLI headstart may not be the best way to approach a new language. Once you are there, they have a number of other ways for you to familiarize yourself with the language and dialogue. Just don't let them trap you with the idea that there is only one way to learn a language.
As for long term considerations, you need to consider whether you plan to be a lifer, or if you intend to use the language in a civilian capacity, and if so, what you want to do with it.
Went through 2 years of Korean at DLI myself. Perishable skill, I can barely recognize it when someone speaks it around me these days.
As for long term considerations, you need to consider whether you plan to be a lifer, or if you intend to use the language in a civilian capacity, and if so, what you want to do with it.
Went through 2 years of Korean at DLI myself. Perishable skill, I can barely recognize it when someone speaks it around me these days.
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I am finding it difficult to speak my own native language and I left when I was 23 for crying out loud so, yes, it is a perishable skill indeed.
The issue that concerns me the most is the certificate of completion that I need to submit my packet. My unit wouldn't accept it without the certificate and I cannot obtain it if one class is incomplete. I may have to find more resourceful ways to take care of it. Well, a challenge is nothing but an opportunity, right?
The issue that concerns me the most is the certificate of completion that I need to submit my packet. My unit wouldn't accept it without the certificate and I cannot obtain it if one class is incomplete. I may have to find more resourceful ways to take care of it. Well, a challenge is nothing but an opportunity, right?
SGT,
With Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Farsi, you are almost certainly guaranteed job security both in the Army and thereafter. I am not an Arabic linguist (I'm Pashto); however, I would say that between those five Arabic, Chinese and Russian would be the most beneficial from a national defense standpoint. Also, Farsi and Russian are a bit on the easier side.
With Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Farsi, you are almost certainly guaranteed job security both in the Army and thereafter. I am not an Arabic linguist (I'm Pashto); however, I would say that between those five Arabic, Chinese and Russian would be the most beneficial from a national defense standpoint. Also, Farsi and Russian are a bit on the easier side.
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Thank you. My first deployment was to soto cano. Best time ever.
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Did you have to have battle buddy to go off base? curfew? checked in and out going off and back to base?
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