Second Language Sustainment Training with the Tactical Language and Culture Training System

In this project we will develop a language training module concept that addresses the problem of language attrition. The concept addresses the multiple aspects of this problem: durable language acquisition that is resistant to attrition, diagnosis of language attrition when it occurs, and skill maintenance training focused on the skills that trainees are in the process of losing. The design of the training concept will draw on research in the psychology of language attrition, while building upon best emerging technologies and methods for language training. The concepts will extend the Tactical Language and Culture Training family of training systems, including Tactical Iraqi and Tactical French, resulting in practical training solutions that transition into Navy and Marine Corps use, yielding concrete training benefits to Sailors, Marines, and language learners generally. We will conduct follow-on evaluations of the effectiveness of the approach in helping Sailors and Marines to retain their language skills.