Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Language Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs was established ten years ago in response to the necessity for diplomats to learn foreign languages.
At its inception in 1987, the Language Institute catered for four languages. Today it comprises full-time language trainers in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and English. An Arabic language trainer post was recently created and will be filled imminently. In addition, twenty-two external language trainers are employed.
During the past three years approximately nine hundred officials received language training at the Language Institute.
At the moment, the following courses are being presented or facilitated by the Language Institute: German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, Mandarin, Farsi, Turkish, Hindi and Czech. Diplomats who are not mother-tongue speakers of English are also given the opportunity to follow courses in English for Diplomacy.
Language training is available to officials of all professional categories and all public service departments that contribute towards foreign representation. Spouses of officials are also encouraged to undergo language training as they play an important part in the successful fulfilment of official duties.
The Language Institute uses a communicative language training method. Training objectives are defined in terms of practical tasks which officials should be able to complete upon arrival in the host country.
Not only is the language important, but also the foreign culture. Cross-cultural exposure is an important component of the general preparation of professional diplomats. It alleviates the inevitable culture shock experienced on arrival.
Regular research conducted on diplomatic training techniques abroad ensures that the Language Institute remains abreast of the latest developments in the field of foreign language training.
Since the end of last year, the Language Institute has been inviting diplomats serving at missions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Pretoria to join the regular language courses. To date, SADC diplomats from Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe have participated.
With foreign language tuition declining in national secondary and tertiary institutions, the Language Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs has the challenging task of equipping South African diplomats with the language skills essential for fulfilling their diplomatic functions professionally.
The media is welcome to attend the celebration of the Language Institute's tenth anniversary to be held at the Diplomatic Guest House, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria at 18:30 on 14 November 1997.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 13 NOVEMBER 1997