Aeronautical English: Investigating the nature of this specific language in search of new heights

Abstract

Global communication for professional purposes has opened up new research avenues on English language use in aviation contexts, a growing area of interest in applied linguistics. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the nature of the language referred to by the terms aviation English and aeronautical English – and demonstrate how their definitions – and perceptions – can influence the language teaching and assessment for aeronautical communications between pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCOs). To this end, initially, we review the literature to identify what has been researched about the topic. Then, we discuss some problems regarding aeronautical English teaching and assessment that are still unsolved, or have been taken for granted. The expected contribution is to shed some light on what, in fact, should be taught and assessed in this scenario, for better and safer international aeronautical communications.