A Proactive Approach to English Language Barriers Identification in Aviation Communication

Regarding the aviation-specific view of communication, an error leading to a different interpretation of the meaning might have serious consequences. In a wide range of fatal or near fatal aviation accidents, the language misunderstandings, omissions or communication confusion have played a contributing and even a central role (Cushing, 1994). Although English is the international language of the air, it is not the primary language of all those who are using it. Indeed, levels of English proficiency among aviation professionals vary tremendously around the world. Various researchers have categorized the types of errors in the reports provided by pilot-ATC (Air Traffic Controller) misunderstandings. This research is directed towards investigating the underlying language problems associated with radio communication for pilots and ATCs whose first language is not English. The pilot studies were conducted to identify communication challenges pilots/controllers have experienced and what they consider to be the impact on aviation safety. The integrative analysis of previous researches on critical aspects of communication in aviation contexts, would reveal that proper communication very much depends on the pragmatics aspects of language. Regarding the air crashes and the causes of which were due to miscommunication, this study has confirmed that communicative practitioners should sharply aware of and sensitive to the processes and problems involved in language production and communicative competence enhancement in any field of social interaction. Finally, this study would involve intensive efforts to develop a heightened linguistic awareness in pilots and controllers and the dependence of their own and other people’s safety on their willingness to use language more mindfully.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aviation Accidents ، Linguistic Awareness ، Language Misunderstandings ، Communication