How to Say National Security in 1,001 Languages
Abstract
E pluribus unum, semper fidelis. . . . Whether it s words on our currency or a motto for an entire branch of our military, Americans love dabbling with foreign expressions. In today s threat environment, however, such a superficial approach leaves the American military and, ultimately, the American people vulnerable in a hostile global neighborhood where others frequently understand more than we do.1 It s time for our military to comprehend fully that maintaining world leadership and security requires a broader understanding of other cultures, thought processes, and, of course, languages. At any age, the human mind has the capacity to become multilingual. If the Department of Defense (DOD) wanted to improve its language capabilities from within, it could. This article demonstrates how, with proper motivation, the department can do so. It explains the importance of why we must begin this process now, how anyone can learn a second language, why attempts of the past have failed, and what steps we must take to improve our national security through increasing the DOD s language capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA551066
Entities
People
- D. J. Western
Organizations
- Air and Space Power Journal