Since 1976, the Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL) has provided a forum for cooperation and discussion among language professionals. What began as an informal coalition of eight national language associations now brings together representatives of more than 60 organizations that encompass virtually all areas of the langauge profession: the major and less commonly taught languages (including English and English as a second language), bilingual education, the classics, linguistics, translation, interpretation, research, American Sign Language (ASL), and educational technology. JNCL functions as a point of reference for the planning of national language policies and the identification of national needs in this area. JNCL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is affiliated with the National Council for Languages and International Studies (NCLIS). The mission of JNCL-NCLIS is to ensure that Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language, to advance the language profession in the US, and to raise awareness about the importance of language and international education to the national interest. We advocate to shape national policy for Foreign Language and international education and to raise the profile of the language enterprise.
