The Language Division conducts language training for English, and the foreign languages which include Spanish, French and Arabic. The courses offered are carried out on a regular basis throughout the year for officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries, government departments and government agencies.
The overall aim of the language programme is to raise awareness and develop the linguistic knowledge and skills of the course participants and to enhance their confidence in using the languages in social and professional contexts.
The English language courses are offered with emphasis on improving the users’ accuracy and fluency in the language so as to enable them to carry out their duties effectively at home or abroad. Communicative competence would be the goal as English is the language of diplomacy and a tool for communication at the international level. The Division also conducts English skills training for local and international participants as part of the diplomatic courses carried out by the Training Division at IDFR.
The Foreign Language courses are offered to equip officers with a working knowledge of particular languages that will assist them in their official duties and with living abroad. An integrated training methodology is adopted which includes lectures, presentations, workshops and group activities.
English Language Courses
• English for Diplomatic Purposes (for Malaysian participants)
This component forms part of the six-month diplomatic training programme for officers of the Malaysian Foreign Service, as well as other ministries and government agencies. It aims at improving the language skills and competencies of the course participants through awareness-raising activities and skills-enhancement sessions.
• Intensive English Language Courses
Intensive course are organized for Malaysian participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries, government departments and agencies. The duration of the course is four to five days. The focus is on developing the competencies and language skills necessary for effective speaking and writing in order to improve their proficiency and to enhance their confidence in the use of English.
• Unscheduled Intensive English Language Courses
Short intensive courses are conducted on demand for specific objectives which have been identified to meet the needs of certain groups of learners. Classes are conducted at the Institute or other venues.
Foreign Language Course
• Intensive Foreign Language Courses
The intensive course in foreign languages is offered as part of the six-month diplomatic training programme for Malaysian Foreign Service officers. It aims at equipping participants with the basic language requirements to working and travelling in the Spanish, French, and Arab speaking worlds.
• Part- time Foreign Language Courses
The part-time foreign language classes are conducted after office hours from 1730 to 1930 hours, two evenings a week, to make up a total of four hours per week. These classes are for various proficiency levels and are open to all officers and staff from various government agencies in the Klang Valley. Each level contributes to the linguistic development of the participants on the language continuum.
• Unscheduled Intensive Foreign Language Courses
Short intensive courses are also conducted on request for government officers who need to learn a foreign language at short notice because of job assignment or official duties.
