Characteristics of corporate language training programs and policies, and the role of translation and interpreting were studied. Of particular interest was the extent to which language requirements and language training are included in corporate planning. Also investigated was the extent to which occupationally oriented special purpose language training is included in the language training provided to corporate employees. Responses were obtained to a 12-page questionnaire from 129 American firms doing business abroad. Among the findings are the following: (1) Spanish is the language most studied by U.S nationals going abroad to work and also the language most involved in translation and interpreting; (2) U.S. corporations doing business abroad rely primarily on English as the business means of communication; (3) language training is provided to a majority of U.S. national employees going overseas and outranks technical, cultural, and managerial training in the type of training provided; (4) languages for special purposes training is only rarely included in U.S. national employees' preassignment language instruction; (5) English is generally the language in which technical training is given to non-U.S. national employees overseas; and (6) a far greater commitment exists to language training (specifically English language training) for non-U.S. national employees than for U.S. national employees. A bibliography is included. (SW)