A project was undertaken for the promotion of unit/credit systems for language learning by adults. Project aims were to: (1) show that anaylsis or identification of language needs ought to be an intergral part of the unit/credit language learning processes; (2) show that all parts of the system are interdependent, including analysis of resources and motivations, definition of objectives and methods of assessment, choice of methodologies, and teaching curricula; and (3) suggest conceptual instruments for carrying out this identification. Types of information were classified that can be collected in order to build up, jointly with the learner, an expression of his needs. Before and during the course, the learner's needs can be identified by the learners themselves, the teaching establishment, and the user-institution, depending on the resources, objectives, methods of assessment, and curricula. The main methods of collecting information and examples of how they are applied are discussed. Collection methods are surveys, questionnaires, interviews, attitude scales, intelligence tests, language tests, job analysis, content analysis, statistical analysis, and fixing of objectives. Sample instruments are appended, some of which are in French. (SW)