This report is a summary of the review of the Defense Language Institute (DLI) that was made by the General Accounting Office (GAO) at the request of a member of Congress. The objectives of the study were to identify and analyze significant internal DLI problems that diminish the overall effectiveness of the language training provided there. Accordingly, three issues were examined and reported: (1) course development activities, (2) management of classroom instruction, and (3) evaluation of graduates and training. After an introduction that describes the concern of the DLI and the objective, scope and methodology of the study, the report is divided into three sections corresponding to the three issues examined in the study. The investigation recommended that the Institute: (1) replace outdated materials in basic courses, (2) upgrade the management of classroom instruction, and (3) better assess the effectiveness of its training mission. Appendices include information on DLI student enrollment and instructors by language as of September 1981, a review of previous studies of operations and training at DLI, and the Foreign Service Institute's language skill level descriptions. (Author/AMH)