Native and Non-Native Speakers in the radiotelephony communication

The ICAO language proficiency requirements apply to native and non-native speakers alike. As English is the most commonly used language international aviation communications, many non-native speakers of English will require language training to improve their language proficiency. Nonetheless, the burden for improved communications should not be seen as falling solely non-native speakers. Native speakers of English, too, have a fundamentally important role to play in the international efforts to increase communication safety. Improving radiotelephony safety is no small matter, requiring concerted effort and widespread cooperation, and all pilots and controllers will benefit an improved understanding of how language functions, with a focus on strategies that aid comprehension and clarity. Additionally, an ethical obligation arises on the part of native speakers of English, in particular, to increase their linguistic awareness and to take special care in the delivery of messages.

Miscommunication can, and does, occur not only between non-native speakers but also between native speakers of the same language. Miscommunication between native speakers can occur as a result of a linguistic error or feature (ambiguity, homophony, etc.) or as a result of human carelessness (poor enunciation, too much data in a single transmission, or impatience ). Miscommunication can also occur between non-native speakers or between a native speaker and non-native speaker as a result of these issues, in addition to other sources of error specific to non-native English-use.

GLOSSARY:

ICAO =International Civil Aviation Organization

burden = carga ou fardo

concerted = planejados ou combinados