A Historical and Linguistic Perspective of Aviation English — Aviation Phraseology

Abstract

Introduction: Aviation English, as a specialised subset of English for Specific Purposes, is designed to ensure clear standardised communication in the international aviation context. Unlike General English, which serves broad communicative purposes, Aviation English operates under strict ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards to mitigate risks stemming from linguistic misunderstandings in high-stakes environments.

 Aim: The research aims to describe the key linguistic features of Aviation English, compare them with those of General English, and present a case study of a real-world aviation incident examined through the framework of Aviation English.

 Materials and Methods: The paper uses descriptive methods to outline characteristics of Aviation English, primarily based on ICAO Document 9835. A comparative approach is used to contrast Aviation English with General English. Chapter “Wing-clipping incident, Changi airport, Singapore” adopts an empirical approach by analysing a real-life aviation incident. This case study examines over-reliance on automated and semi-automated technical systems and the need for verbal interaction to complement technical systems.

 Results: Aviation English exhibits strong reliance on standardised phraseology, contrasting sharply with the flexibility of General English. It also shows simplified syntax, fixed phraseology, and places emphasis on clarity and conciseness in communication. To the author’s knowledge, the “Wing-clipping incident, Changi airport, Singapore” chapter, a real-life incident at Changi airport in Singapore in 2017, represents the first investigation of the incident within the Aviation English context.

 Conclusion: Aviation English shares its basic structure with General English, but it is deliberately constructed so that it promotes safety and efficiency in aviation. The real-life incident shows that excessive reliance on technical systems, without adequate verbal communication, can cause serious failures. This concludes the essential role of standardised Aviation English in complementing the technical systems.