Airman selected for Arabic language program Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Kelly Twedell Staff Writer POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Staff Sgt. Guy Sotomayer knew when he enlisted six years ago that he wanted to become an Arabic linguist. That goal is finally coming into fruition as the 23rd Fighter Group Airman recently qualified to attend the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif. While the military's performance in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom has repeatedly validated weapon systems and tactics, it's also highlighted a key shortage: that of military personnel able to read and speak Arabic. The courses at DLI are taught by civilians, most of whom are college-educated native speakers of the languages they teach. Military linguists teach the military-specific language skills the students will need in their duty assignments. Arabic is categorized as one of the more challenging languages and therefore lasts 63 weeks. In comparison, French and Italian courses only last 25 weeks. The instructors use high-tech aids such as satellite TV and Smart Board electronic "chalkboards" that can access the internet. Each student is issued an MP3 audio player which record and playback key material. A typical day for students includes at least six hours of class time, as well as physical training, formations and two to three hours of homework at night. In addition, twice a week there are mandatory evening study halls. The Airman had to reenlist for four years in order to get the slot for the school where he will be retraining. "I look forward to learning about the history of Arabic countries," said Sergeant Sotomayer. He said he welcomes the challenge and knows it will require a lot of studying and focus. DLI teaches Modern Standard Arabic, a refined form of the language that is spoken throughout the Middle East. Learning MSA gives students the foundation upon which they can then build their skills in the various regional and national dialects of the language. Arabic students are being trained to use the language in military or intelligence applications and their training includes "modules" that deal with vocabularies specific to that discipline. Students are introduced to Arabic in phrases. The first is sound and script, an introduction to the alphabet and the sounds of the language. They will first listen to numerous tapes downloaded to their MP3 players and then progress to reading, followed by speaking, since speaking is the hardest skill to master. "To polish their language skills and stay up to date on the culture, politics and current events of the Arabic-speaking world, students watch Al Jazeera and other Arabic-Language TV networks on each classroom's smart board," said Ousama Akkad, chairman of one of the MSA's four Arabic departments. Sergeant Sotomayer said he plans to apply many of the concepts already learned from the Air Force to his new job. He also said he will have a definite appreciation for his while he is out flying around to various locations.