Page 25 - ELG2312 Dec Issue 487

FEATURE

To handle these routine situations, ‘Our injured passenger is only suffering Communication is a shared
Standard Phraseology is used, which is from minor cuts and bruises. We no longer responsibility
typically taught by aviation experts, rather need that ambulance upon arrival.’ An interesting development in Aviation
than EFL teachers. Here’s one example: English, and other domains, is the growing
The goal is to make communication as awareness that the responsibility for effective
DELTA 345, RUNWAY 06, WIND 080 straightforward as possible, delivered clearly, communication does not lie solely with
DEGREES, 10 KNOTS, QNH 1012, precisely and slowly; ICAO recommends non-native speakers improving their English;
VISIBILITY 8 KM, TIME 04 TAXI TO a maximum speech rate of 100 words per native speakers also have a critical role to play
HOLDING POINT, RUNWAY 06 VIA minute. Plain English can be taught by and could contribute much more by:
TAXIWAY ALPHA. suitably trained EFL teachers. • Improving their empathy for the challenges
So, how is Aviation English different from faced by their NNES colleagues.
Pronunciation is different in some cases, other forms of ESP? It comes down to a few • Speaking more clearly, concisely and slowly.
to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. factors: • Avoiding idiomatic language and jargon.
As such, the numbers three, four, five and 1) The stakes are extremely high. It is
nine are pronounced ‘tree’, ‘fo-wer’, ‘fife’ difficult to think of another domain where A survey of 1,974 pilots and controllers from
and ‘niner’, respectively. However, Standard the consequences of miscommunication 112 countries asked: ‘Do you think that
Phraseology cannot cover every possible can be so catastrophic; it has been shown aviation safety is ever compromised because
situation. This is where Plain English comes to be a factor in 70% of all aviation of the way native speakers use English?’
into play. incidents and accidents. Of those who answered, 65% said ‘yes’.
2) In the testing process, pilots and Although the teaching of Aviation English
Plain English controllers are tested only on their is largely unregulated, there are opportunities
When Standard Phraseology is no longer speaking and listening skills. for EFL teachers looking to specialise. With
sufficient, pilots and controllers are required 3) One of the functions of language is to form suitable training and experience, English
to switch to Plain English. bonds and relationships between people. language teachers can also work in the delivery
Plain English does not follow the strict In Radiotelephony, this is not the case; and grading of tests using the parameters and
and standardised terminology of Standard personal names are not used and ‘chatting’ descriptors developed by ICAO.
Phraseology. However, it is also not ‘General is strongly discouraged. Aviation is a fascinating industry where
English’. In aviation, Plain English is 4) In traditional settings, teachers often safety is always at the forefront of people’s
characterised by its simplicity and clarity. encourage their students to improve their thinking. Communication in English is at the
It avoids complex sentence structures, jargon fluency, even if this is at the expense of very heart of this effort.
and technical terms that may be difficult accuracy. In Radiotelephony, accuracy is
for non-native speakers to understand. paramount; a misunderstanding over a Paul is the founder/CEO of
This could be: single word can have grave consequences. Mayflower College, Plymouth,
5) ‘Read-back’ is a critical procedure to which has specialised in the
‘The airport’s medical services have maintain safety in aviation. Read-back is teaching and testing of Aviation
requested an update on your sick the process by which a pilot repeats an English for over 30 years. His
passenger.’ instruction or clearance to confirm they latest project is in helping native English
correctly heard and understood, allowing speakers to improve their communication skills
‘You are approaching restricted airspace. the controller to verify that the pilot with non-native English speakers.
Do you have permission to enter?’ can comply.

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