The psychological reality of ESP processing: insights from Aviation English

Conference item

In the professional environment of aviation where efficiency and safety are fundamental concerns, a language has been created which conforms to both requirements. This is the language of Aviation English: a simplified and specialised subset of English. Speakers of Aviation English utilise a restricted syntax and specialised vocabulary to communicate in a rapid and unambiguous method. With such a rapid exchange of large amounts of information, communication error is inevitable. Examples of speaker failure in aviation include errors in read-back, intelligibility and idiomatic phrases. Examples of hearer failure include accepting a clearance for another aircraft, homophony confusion, and anticipatory actions. While minor errors can result in annoyance and frequency congestion, major errors can have disastrous results. The topic of how to effectively train pilots and controllers in Aviation English is one that is at the forefront of discussions in the industry: incorrect phraseology is not only a problem for efficiency of operations but also an issue of safety, particularly when non-native speakers are involved. This study presents an analysis of language in a series of pilot-ATC voice communications, with particular focus on deviations to standard phraseology. Our analysis highlights the clear need to focus on how violations affect both the speakers and listeners in this English for Specific Purposes (ESP) context.

Authors: Wynne, HSZ

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: English Teachers’ Association-Republic of China
• Host title: Selected Papers from the 2025 APLX, ETA & TESPA International Conference on English Language Teaching and Learning
• Pages: 369-381
• Place of publication: Taiwan
• Publication date: 2025-11-01
• Acceptance date: 2025-10-20
• Event title: 2025 APLX, ETA & TESPA International Conference: 'Re-Imaging Human Empowerment in ELT for a Changing World'
• Event location: Taiwan
• Event website: https://aplx.org/
• Event start date: 2025-11-07
• Event end date: 2025-11-08
• ISBN: 9786267239940
• Language: English
• Keywords: Aviation English; English for Specific Purposes (ESP); sublanguages; language processing