The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia places significant emphasis on language training to enhance its diplomatic engagements and international relations. Recognizing the importance of linguistic proficiency, DFAT offers a range of programs through its Diplomatic Academy to equip its staff and other government employees with essential language skills.
Diplomatic Academy's Language Faculty
The Language Faculty within DFAT's Diplomatic Academy is dedicated to building and maintaining language capabilities crucial for advancing Australia's interests globally. The faculty offers various learning streams, including:
Country Studies: Focusing on the geopolitical and cultural contexts of specific nations.
Cultural Immersion: Providing deep dives into cultural practices and societal norms.
Foreign Languages: Offering instruction in multiple languages pertinent to Australia's international engagements.
Lunchtime Discussion Groups
To facilitate continuous language practice, the academy conducts Lunchtime Discussion Groups. These one-hour sessions are designed for participants who already possess proficiency in a particular language and wish to maintain or enhance their skills. Held weekly from February to November, these groups cover 24 different languages, ranging from widely spoken tongues like Mandarin and Indonesian to less commonly taught languages such as Farsi and Tetum. Sessions are accessible both in-person at the Diplomatic Academy in Canberra and virtually via Microsoft Teams, ensuring inclusivity for staff across various locations.
Immersion Courses
For a more intensive learning experience, the academy offers Immersion Courses. These face-to-face programs, conducted over three days (with some languages offered as one-day courses), are tailored for Australian and ACT Government staff aiming to improve their existing language proficiencies. The courses encompass formal and informal discussions, translation and interpreting exercises, and analyses of contemporary news and current affairs. While there is no formal assessment, participants engage in comprehensive language use to bolster their skills.
Collaboration with UNSW
In a significant move to enhance its language training capabilities, DFAT has partnered with the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This multi-million-dollar, multiyear contract, secured in August 2022, enables UNSW to provide tailored language and cultural programs for DFAT diplomats preparing for overseas postings. The collaboration leverages expertise from both UNSW Canberra and UNSW Sydney faculties, offering diplomats pathways to work towards a Diploma of Languages as part of their professional development.
Challenges in Language Learning
Despite these robust programs, Australia faces challenges in promoting language learning, particularly in Asian languages such as Indonesian. Reports indicate a decline in students studying Indonesian, with fewer individuals learning the language now than 50 years ago. This trend poses concerns for Australia's diplomatic and cultural engagement in the region. Efforts like the New Colombo Plan aim to address this by providing scholarships and encouraging language studies, but reversing the decline remains a significant challenge.
Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
A critical component of DFAT's language training strategy is the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT). This test assesses an officer's potential for learning foreign languages and plays a pivotal role in determining their eligibility for language training programs. Administered through CIT Solutions, affiliated with the Canberra Institute of Technology, the MLAT evaluates cognitive abilities essential for mastering new languages. Higher scores often open doors to more complex languages, such as Mandarin Chinese or Arabic, which are deemed critical for Australia's international relations.
Preparation Resources for MLAT
Given the importance of the MLAT in shaping language training opportunities, thorough preparation is advisable. One notable resource is MLATstudy.com, which offers over 600 sample test questions and audio exercises that mimic the test format. Engaging with such materials can familiarize candidates with the test structure and question types, potentially enhancing their performance.
Language Training Pathways
For DFAT officers selected for overseas postings, language training is a comprehensive process. Typically, this involves a two-year commitment: the first year comprises full-time intensive language instruction at the Diplomatic Academy in Canberra, followed by a second year of immersive in-country study at a local language institution. This approach ensures that officers not only learn the language but also gain cultural insights and practical experience, which are invaluable for their diplomatic roles.
Strategic Importance of High MLAT Scores
Achieving a high score on the MLAT is instrumental in accessing these extensive language training programs. Officers with superior scores are often prioritized for training in languages that are both challenging and strategically significant for Australia's foreign policy objectives. Thus, investing time and effort in preparing for the MLAT can yield substantial career benefits, including specialized training and enhanced prospects for international assignments.
DFAT's commitment to language training is evident through its comprehensive programs and collaborations. By investing in linguistic and cultural proficiency, DFAT ensures that its diplomats are well-prepared to represent Australia effectively on the global stage.
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