Meeting the Needs of
Dari and Pashto Students
in AFPAK Hands Program
Masako Boureston, Project Manager, Pashto
Jan Mohammad, Chairperson, Dari
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center
This speech/presentation is authorized by the Defense Language Institute Foreign
Language Center and the Department of Defense. Contents of this presentation are
not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,
Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the Defense Language Institute
Foreign Language Center.
Overview
• Background of Dari and Pashto Programs &
AFPAK HANDS
• Needs of students
• Elements to consider
Pashto/Dari Training
• Pre-deployment Familiarization
• AFPAK Hands (Phase 1 = 16 wks)
• Basic Course:
– 47 wks (Dari)
– 63 wks (Pashto)
…and further training (e.g. dialect)
AFPAK HANDS
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Started in July 09
Pilot of phase 1 (16wks) : Sept 09 - Present
Small scale revisions based on feedback
Needs Analysis in March 2010
AFPAK Hands Needs Analysis
© DoD Media
AFPAK Hands Needs Analysis
Dari/Pashto
• Varying assignments in Afghanistan
• Language needed (Pashto > Dari)
– Survival level phrases
– Conversational skills
• Specific language functions mentioned
• Cultural knowledge and survival skills needed
– e.g. dealing with women, elders, etc.
WHAT is requested
• Language training
Survival phrases ----------- Basic conversation
Job-related skills/language
(Military-related scenarios, Tactical vocabulary)
• Cultural knowledge
Challenges
• Identify the language/dialect needed
• Introduce REAL culture (what and how?)
• Tactical language for novice learners
Balance of Job-specific ------- General language
• Simplified course structure needed
Type of Language
Dari - Spoken and Formal language
Pashto - Dialect
“Standard” Dialect - a dialect that is supported by
institutions. ( “Standard” Pashto?)
ILR on “standard language”
• (LC) L1: ……can understand simple questions and answers,
simple statements and very simple face-to-face
conversations in a standard dialect.
• (LC) L2: Able to understand face-to-face speech in a standard
dialect.
• (LC) L3: Has effective understanding of face-to-face speech,
delivered with normal clarity and speed in a standard dialect
on general topics and areas of special interest
• (LC) L4: Able to understand the essentials of speech in some
non-standard dialects.
• (LC) L4+: Increased ability to comprehend native speakers
using extreme nonstandard dialects and slang.
ILR on “cultural reference”
• (SP) L2+: The individual may miss cultural and local
references and may require a native speaker to
adjust to his/her limitations in some ways.
• (SP) L3: Although cultural references, proverbs, and
the implications of nuances and idiom may not be
fully understood, the individual can easily repair
conversation.
• (LC) L3+: Ability to comprehend many sociolinguistic
and cultural references.
• (SP) L4: Organize discourse well, using appropriate
rhetorical speech devices, native cultural references,
and understanding.
Elements to Consider
• Students: aptitude, motivation, job-skills
• Language Input: materials, dialect, levels
• Learning Environment: delivery, content,
practice, What happens in the class, What
learners DO
HOW learners learn
Synthetic
Syllabus
Language in
small parts
Analytic
Syllabus
Language as
a whole
Lessons (being) Learned
• Different approach needed for learners who
need TL for “specific purposes”
• “Survival” skills = NOT the same as using
memorized words and phrases, or simple
sentences
• Greater understanding of culture and people
needed
• Consider “environmental factors”
Process:
Outcom
e
Learning experience,
Type of practice,
Delivery of Lang. & Culture
What happens in the class?
Input:
Language
Dialect
Cultural knowledge
Functions
Aptitude
Motivation
Job-skills…
0
Action Plans
for modifying BC materials
•
•
•
•
•
More emphasis on LC/SP
Simplified lesson routines
Job-relevant topics, and tasks
Transliteration as needed
From grammar-driven course to
conversation/situation driven course
• Simplified grammar notes
• Coordination with other groups/organizations
• Culture elements embedded systematically
Questions?