The Navy's future linguists joined in on the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) festivities for the school's annual Language Day at the Presidio of Monterey, California, May 12.

The open-house event, attended by more than 5,000 people every year, promotes and encourages cultural understanding and customs from around the world. Language Day showcases the institute's excellence in foreign language study and the diversity of its faculty and students.

Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Monterey students studying languages to become CTI's (cryptologic technician, interpretive) participated in cultural displays and activities and performances representing the languages they are learning.

"This is a terrific opportunity for our students to show how valuable languages and cultural understanding are to the Navy," said Cmdr. Andy Newsome, commanding officer for IWTC Monterey. "This event is a fun way for our students to give back to the local community and share some of what they are experiencing at DLIFLC."

Navy students talked about cultures with visitors at various displays, sang songs in their languages and performed traditional dances.

"It's great to be able to share the culture we're learning with everyone," said Seaman Natasha Lindsey. "Language Day is a great opportunity for us to see what students in the other courses are doing and learn about their cultures as well."

The annual Language Day has been taking place for more than 60 years at DLIFLC, and it is the one day a year visitors can enjoy access to the Presidio of Monterey and catch a glimpse of the daily life of service members learning a foreign language.

For some students, the event even provided an opportunity to sample a variety of ethnic foods served by local international vendors, as well as experience other cultures themselves.

"I think it's nice to be able to share and learn about more cultures from a different perspective," said Seaman Jailah Chamesmitchell. "We hear about the cultures from our friends, but we don't actually get to see it. Language Day brought it to life right in front of our eyes."

IWTC Monterey, as part of the Center for Information Warfare Training, provides a continuum of foreign language training to Navy personnel, which prepares them to conduct information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

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