Learning English Initiative (CLS)

Summary for mission presidents

Background and purpose

Chapter 7 of Preach My Gospel instructs: “If you do not speak English, you should study it as a
missionary. This will bless you during your mission and throughout your life” (p. 128).
The Companionship Language Study materials have been approved by the Missionary Department
as a resource to assist in this effort. Materials are currently available in the following languages:
Spanish, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Tagalog and Cebuano. Materials will soon be available in
the following languages: Chinese, Korean, Mongolian, Russian, Samoan, and Tongan. For other
languages a basic English to English version is also available.

Materials and program

The materials include print and audio resources intended to be used during the time identified in
Preach My Gospel for language study. The print materials consist of three books: two beginning
books (Basic Grammar and Book 1) and Book 2. The audio material matches exercises in Book 1
and Book 2. Missionaries who do not speak English natively will receive an orientation at the MTC
and the two beginning books. The mission provides Book 2 once the missionaries have completed
the first two books.
Missionaries who complete the study of the materials may take an online language proficiency test
(the Oral Proficiency Interview or OPIc) and receive a certificate indicating their level of English
proficiency. The test and certificate are supported by the American Council on the Teaching of
Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and have been found to be helpful as returned missionaries seek
employment.
The mission office administers the program, including tracking missionary progress, distributing
Book 2, and overseeing the testing process. A senior couple may also be assigned to assist, but not
as their primary assignment. Where needed, a local Church service missionary could be called to
assist.

Role of the mission president and his wife

Your primary role is to encourage missionaries to participate in the program by helping them
catch the vision of how learning English will bless their lives and periodically following up on their
progress. You also ensure that missionaries have adequate time each day for language study and
help those who already speak English see the importance of helping their companions learn.

Other helpful information

Additional information regarding the program, including tips and best practices, is available at
http://learningenglish.mtc.byu.edu. Answers to most questions can be found on the website.
For help getting started, please contact David Macfarlane, who coordinates the CLS program in the
Missionary Department. He can be reached at 801-422-6960 or macfarlanedc@mtc.byu.edu.