Foreign Language

You have a passion for foreign languages, and you have strong oral communication, written communication and critical thinking skills. You enjoy research, translation, transcription, reporting and analysis. Most of all, you understand the nuance of foreign language, its context, cultural overtones and regional dialects. Serve in a position where your contributions can have a positive effect on a global scale. The Intelligence Community has many opportunities for foreign language analysts. Search for yours today.

Education/Experience

  • Foreign Language or Linguistics
  • History, Government or Political Science
  • Intelligence
  • International Affairs/Relations/Studies

Example Positions

  • Foreign Language (Translation)
    Translates materials from a foreign language to English and vice versa. Evaluates translations obtained from other sources for technical accuracy, grammar, word usage, and idiomatic use.
  • Foreign Language (Interpreter/Translator)
    Serves as an interpreter/translator for assigned office during calls, briefings, coordination conferences, and meetings with foreign government officials.
  • Foreign Language (Liaison)
    Serves as a liaison between assigned office and foreign government officials, and acts as the primary interpreter. Recognizes and averts potential political sensitivities between the two parties.
  • GEOINT Analyst (Scientific Linguistics)
    Applies linguistics principles to problems encountered in the analysis and standardization of transliterated foreign geographic names. Collaborates with language experts to develop and implement consistent standardization policies. Researches country- and language-specific place-name issues and develops recommendations.
  • Language Analyst
    Uses knowledge of foreign language and English to provide key decision-makers with a complete and accurate picture of the context within which the decision is being made (i.e., provide an understanding of nuance, context, cultural overtones, and dialect in which the communication occurred).
  • Foreign Language Advisor
    Uses knowledge of foreign language and the agency's mission needs to provide guidance to decision-makers and language analysts at all levels, including recommending training/development approaches, hiring and staffing priorities, and other assistive strategies that will help accomplish the mission.
  • Scientific Linguist
    Applies linguistic knowledge (syntax, morphology, phonetics, phonology, semantics, discourse analysis, pragmatics, typology) and linguistic principles to address operational problems by designing, developing, and/or evaluating tools used to enhance understanding of foreign languages or materials.

 

Learn more about careers within the IC at intelligencecareers.gov