The evolution and activities of the Allegheny Foreign Language Association (AFLA) are described in the context of the organization of foreign language education in the area and the attitudes of the professionals involved. Foreign language instruction in Allegheny County includes: Pittsburgh public school programs, including elementary magnet bilingual education programs in French, Spanish, and German; the University of Pittsburgh; two other universities; four private colleges; several private secondary schools noted for their foreign language programs; suburban secondary schools; and an extensive parochial school system. Despite efforts at communication in the foreign language community, little contact occurred, and wariness and resentment between elementary/secondary and higher education persisted. Although the University of Pittsburgh sponsored some significant professional activities, it also abolished the foreign language graduation requirement, causing more problems. AFLA began meeting in the summer of 1983, and some significant changes in attitude may have begun. The university has implemented both entrance and graduation requirements in foreign languages, and projects have been discussed such as establishing a resource center and inservice teacher education programs. It is suggested that much work is still necessary, but greater potential for interprofessional cooperation now exists. (MSE)