Problems and Processes in U.S. Foreign Language Planning

Abstract

The goal of foreign language planning should be the development of a comprehensive, integrated public policy on foreign language education. Such a policy should focus on the architecture of the system, how the parts are put together. It should seek to remedy discontinuities, take into consideration the planning experience of other countries, and be keyed to various levels of the system. It should address issues of language choice, including the learning of more than one foreign language. It should balance the general education goals of language teaching with learning for adult use, and it should develop a much more specific notion of what those uses are and might be. Next steps in the development of plans are suggested.