Rough Draft

Instructions

Each student is required to complete the term project, which is a 5-8 page (not counting the cover, abstract and reference page) research paper in APA format. In preparation for the paper, students will submit a thesis statement, an annotated bibliography and a rough draft.

Submit your First Draft of the term project, which is 5-8 pages (not counting the cover, abstract and reference page)

The linguistic and cultural obstacles experienced by US and NATO Armed forces in Afghanistan

Thesis Statement: Language and cultural barriers have significantly hampered the effectiveness of US military operations in Afghanistan. These barriers not only limit operational efficiency and communication with local populations but also contribute to misunderstandings that could escalate conflict and undermine trust between US forces and Afghan communities.

1. Annotated Bibliography:

This article investigates the notion of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its use in peacekeeping operations, notably in Afghanistan. The authors contend that knowing and adapting to local cultures is crucial to the success of foreign missions. Yalnkaya and zer analyze cases from the Afghanistan conflict to demonstrate how cultural misconceptions have impeded peace efforts. They recommend measures to strengthen CQ among peacekeepers. This resource is useful for scholars exploring the relationship between culture and international relations, as it provides insights into the relevance of cultural competency in military and diplomatic engagements.

Reference: Yalnkaya, H., & zer, Y. (2017). Another lesson learned in Afghanistan: the concept of cultural intelligence.International Peacekeeping (London, England),24(3), 434-460.https://doi.org/10.1080/13533312.2016.1244485

2. Annotated Bibliography:

This book explores the linguistic landscape, focusing on the different languages and dialects spoken. It highlights the value of language training for military personnel to facilitate efficient engagement with local communities, and the notion of cultural competency in the military, with a focus on training programs designed for US troops. It discusses both the success and failure of various endeavors. Relevance: This paper demonstrates the difficulties U.S. soldiers encountered in engaging with Afghan populations and the importance of including language awareness in operational plans. It focuses on successful cultural sensitivity training approaches and emphasizes their usefulness in developing trust among Afghan allies.

Reference: Kaninya, J. (2020).The Role of Cultural Awareness in Raising Language Proficiency for the Military Linguist(Order No. 28314349). Available from ProQuest Central; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2507505076).http://ezproxy.apus.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdissertations-theses%2Frole-cultural-awareness-raising-language%2Fdocview%2F2507505076%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D8289

3. Bibliography:

Rosendo highlighted the importance of interpreters in the Spanish soldiers' deployment in Afghanistan. According to the author, interpreters serve as both language facilitators and cultural mediators, bridging considerable gaps between military personnel and local people. Smith gives personal tales from both troops and interpreters, emphasizing the difficulties of communication in high-stress situations and the ethical quandaries that translators face. This work is useful for understanding the intricacies of military relations in foreign cultures, and it can serve as a starting point for future study on the role of cultural dynamics in war operations.

Reference: Rosendo, L. R. (2020). Interpreting for the Afghanistan Spanish Force.War & Society,39(1), 42-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/07292473.2019.1701620

4. Bibliography:

In this article, Hajjar investigates the function of military linguists as crucial cultural intermediates in military operations. The author contends that linguists not only promote communication but also improve understanding between military troops and local communities, making them important in a variety of settings, including combat zones. The paper examines case studies and interviews with military linguists to show the problems they confront, such as cultural misunderstandings and operational demands. Hajjar underlines the importance of increased training and support for linguists in order to increase their efficacy and the overall success of military missions. The paper is relevant to people interested in military anthropology, intercultural communication, and the complexity of modern combat.

Reference: Hajjar, R. M. (2017). Effectively Working With Military Linguists: Vital Intercultural Intermediaries.Armed Forces and Society,43(1), 92-114. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X16632333

5. Annotated Bibliography:

Nazari analyzes the unique issues of intercultural communication experienced by US personnel in Afghanistan, highlighting crucial takeaways from numerous exchanges. The article presents case studies in which cultural misunderstandings resulted in operational failures. This site provides critical information for comprehending the intricacies of intercultural communication in a crisis, emphasizing the significance of training in this area for military personnel.

Reference: Nazari, (2020). Intercultural Communication Challenges in Conflict Zones: Lessons from Afghanistan. Communication Studies, vol. 25, no. 2, 2020, pp. 145-160.

6. Annotated Bibliography:

In this detailed research, Long investigates the efficacy of Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in the United States military, focusing on their role in enhancing communication with local communities in crisis zones. The study focuses on how FETs improve operational performance by building trust and acquiring key intelligence through contact with women who are frequently excluded from typical military relationships. Long's work sheds light on the transformational function of gender in military situations and calls for more inclusive approaches to military operations, implying that such techniques can improve outcomes for both the military and the people they serve. This resource is especially useful for scholars and practitioners studying gender dynamics in security situations.

Reference: Long, G. C. (2012).Effectiveness of US Military Female Engagement Teams(Doctoral dissertation, Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School). Retrieved on September 1, 2024, fromhttps://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/36710645.pdf

7. Annotated Bibliography:

Nobles' paper delves into the difficult interaction between anthropologists and military personnel during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The author investigates the ethical quandaries encountered by anthropologists who get embedded with Marines, investigating how these relationships affect both local communities and military operations. Nobles contends that, while the presence of anthropologists might improve cultural knowledge, it also raises serious issues about the possibility of undermining academic integrity and neutrality. The paper is useful for understanding the role of social sciences in war zones and exploring the ramifications of academic-military collaboration.

Reference: Holmes-Eber, P. (2020). Lost in translation: anthropologists and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.Small Wars & Insurgencies,31(2), 340-358. https://doi-org.ezproxy1.apus.edu/10.1080/09592318.2020.1713545