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ICAO language proficiency requirements

ICAO language proficiency requirements. Dr Jeremy Mell Head of Language Studies ENAC, Toulouse, France jeremy.mell@enac.fr. Language proficiency: general concepts. single complex skill OR many sub-skills knowledge/competence competence/performance receptive/productive spoken/written

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ICAO language proficiency requirements

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  1. ICAO language proficiency requirements Dr Jeremy Mell Head of Language Studies ENAC, Toulouse, France jeremy.mell@enac.fr ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  2. Language proficiency: general concepts • single complex skill OR many sub-skills • knowledge/competence • competence/performance • receptive/productive • spoken/written • accuracy/fluency • general/special purpose (LSP) • AND for aviation…phraseology/plain language ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  3. linguistic competence lexical range, control single words, fixed expressions grammatical accuracy syntax, morphology phonological control phonemes, syllable structure, prosody interaction/fluency pragmatic competence relevance, rules for interpretation appropriateness of tone/register/dialect scripts, interaction schemata, appropriateness of response evaluation of outcomes impacts on safety impacts on efficiency Communicative language competence ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  4. ALL partners in aeronautical communications (English and local language) foreign language speakers (FL) training and testing first language speakers (L1) and second language speakers (L2) accommodation and monitoring Smith (1992) - a study of intelligibility using speakers of 9 national varieties of English: « native speakers … were not found to be the most easily understood, nor were they, as subjects, found to be best able to understand the different varieties of English » Yoshida (2004) - ICAO seminar Tokyo « There are no native speakers of English as an International language » English as an International language (EIL) arises from a mutual need for comprehensible input: refrain from using idioms/jargon modulate delivery be specific, explicit, direct ICAO language proficiency : who is concerned? ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  5. Why a rating scale? Not applied in other fields of aviation competency, but... … well-established in the language training/testing profession What are the benefits? lower levels for recruitment/training higher levels to predict future language loss top level brings native-speakers within the purview of LPRs Why an ICAO rating scale? many general rating scales world-wide, but... …. associated with particular tests (often commercial) or individual state, and... ...do not address specific requirements of aeronautical communications within a single level band ICAO scale ensures acceptability to stakeholders efficiency in training/testing The rating scale: FAQ ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  6. ICAO language proficiency : foundations • PRICE SG: operational and academic • subject-matter experts + language experts • Evaluation of existing language proficiency scales • DLI/Council of Europe/…. • Findings of several job-specific linguistic needs analyses (cf. Appendix to Doc 9835): • FAA • Eurocontrol (PELA) • DGAC/ENAC (F) ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  7. Concerns only PIL/CTL radiotelephony communications (Annex 1) communications between ATC units (Annex 11) Excludes other professional tasks: PIL: intra-cockpit, cabin announcements, ground staff… CTL: intra-unit, external services, ... Holistic descriptors Proficient speakers shall: communicate effectively in voice only and in face to face situations. communicate on common, concrete, and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity. use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognize and resolve misunderstandings (to check, confirm, or clarify information.) handle successfully and with relative ease the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events that occurs within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar. use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community. Language proficiency in aviation:what ICAO tells us (1) ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  8. Annex 10, 5.1.1.1 « ICAO standardized phraseology shall be used in all situations for which it has been specified. Only when standardized phraseology cannot serve an intended transmission, plain language shall be used. » Annex 1 minimum “operational level” = 4 Attachment to Appendix to Annex 1: ICAO Rating scale 6 levels of proficiency 6 skill areas (pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, interactions) “The language proficiency requirements are applicable to the use of both phraseologies and plain language.” Words and phrases (vocabulary) « common, concrete and work-related topics » “paraphrase successfully” Grammatical structures « relevant grammatical structures and sentence patterns are determined by language functions appropriate to the task » Phonology (pronunciation) « accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community » Interactions «voice-only and face-to-face situations » «general or work-related context » « complication or unexpected turn of events » « apparent misunderstandings » Language proficiency in aviation:what ICAO tells us (2) ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  9. Domains accident investigation, aerial work, aerodrome, aeronautical information, air transport management, aircraft, approach, ATC automation, ATC staff, cartography, collision risk, en-route, fuel management, ground movements, in-flight incidents, landing, liaison, meteorology, navaids,organizations, position reporting, private flying, radar, radio communications, regulations, search and rescue, take-off and departure, telephone monitoring, traffic information (source AIRWORD ENAC/Eurocontrol,) Sub-domains aerodrome status management general terms amenities facilities services surface conditions runways/taxiways security problems water aerodrome Work related topics: aviation ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  10. Abbreviations, acronyms Animals, birds, Behaviour, activities Cargo, merchandise, packaging Causes, conditions Geography, topographical features, Health, medecine Language, spoken communication Modality (obligation, probability, possibility) Numbers Perception, senses Problems, errors, accidents, malfunctions Rules, enforcement, infringement, protocol Space, movement, position, distance, dimension Technology Time, duration, schedules Transport, travel, vehicles Weather, climate, natural disasters Work related topics: non-aviation ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  11. Grammatical structures: overview • “grammatical structures and sentence patterns are determined by language functions appropriate to the task ” • communicative function • speaker’s intention in producing a given utterance (a “speech act”) • e.g. … “request information”, “thank”, “deny approval”,… • intentions are linked to activities being undertaken, so we can identify a limited predictable range of frequently occurring functions • same functions can be realised in professional OR non-professional contexts • distinguish different functions for comprehension and production • 4 major function groups in aeronautical R/T (Doc 9835, Appendix B) • triggering actions (orders, requests/offers to act, advice, permission/approval, undertakings,...) • sharing information (states, actions, events in the past, present or future, necessity, feasibility,…) • managing the relationship (satisfaction, complaint, reprimand, concern, reassurance, apologies,…) • managing the dialogue (opening/closing, self-correction, readback, acknowledgement, checking, repetition, confirmation, clarification, relaying,…) ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  12. Triggering actions: orders - controller give an order give an amended order give a negative order give alternative orders give a sequence of orders cancel an order orders - pilot announce compliance announce non-compliance « give an order »: phraseology TURN LEFT plain language NOW, I WANT YOU TO TURN LEFT ABEAM THE SHOPPING MALL AT YOUR 1 O ’CLOCK. DO YOU HAVE IT IN SIGHT? Individual functions (example) ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  13. ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  14. Simple (2 moves) Maintain flight level 2 7 0 Maintain 270 Simple (3 moves) CTL initiative: Say heading 1 7 3 1 7 3 roger Simple (3 moves) PIL initiative: Requesting descent Descend flight level 1 3 0 Descend flight level 1 3 0 Complex move I ’ve got an emergency, short on fuel, and I ’m steering to the beacon on II2.3, and I ’ve been told to tune onto the IFR to get me into an airfield. I have less than 15 minutes fuel supply sir. Have you copied? Over. Interaction schemata ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  15. Simple (2 moves) Maintain flight level 2 7 0 Maintain 270 Simple (3 moves) CTL initiative: Say heading 1 7 3 1 7 3 roger Simple (3 moves) PIL initiative: Requesting descent Descend flight level 1 3 0 Descend flight level 1 3 0 Complex move I ’ve got an emergency, short on fuel, and I ’m steering to the beacon on II2.3, and I ’ve been told to tune onto the IFR to get me into an airfield. I have less than 15 minutes fuel supply sir. Have you copied? Over. Interaction schemata ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  16. Simple (2 moves) Maintain flight level 2 7 0 Maintain 270 Simple (3 moves) CTL initiative: Say heading 1 7 3 1 7 3 roger Simple (3 moves) PIL initiative: Requesting descent Descend flight level 1 3 0 Descend flight level 1 3 0 Complex move I ’ve got an emergency, short on fuel, and I ’m steering to the beacon on II2.3, and I ’ve been told to tune onto the IFR to get me into an airfield. I have less than 15 minutes fuel supply sir. Have you copied? Over. Complex exchange Are you direct BRC? Yes sir. Do we need to come right a little? I think you proceed initially to Abbeville, if you wish Abbeville by the right. Understand turn right. We could go to Abbeville VOR, BRC Negative. Proceed Abbeville, BRC or if you prefer BRC direct. Direct to the BRC Interaction schemata ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  17. Simple (2 moves) Maintain flight level 2 7 0 Maintain 270 Simple (3 moves) CTL initiative: Say heading 1 7 3 1 7 3 roger Simple (3 moves) PIL initiative: Requesting descent Descend flight level 1 3 0 Descend flight level 1 3 0 Complex move I ’ve got an emergency, short on fuel, and I ’m steering to the beacon on II2.3, and I ’ve been told to tune onto the IFR to get me into an airfield. I have less than 15 minutes fuel supply sir. Have you copied? Over. Complex exchange Are you direct BRC? Yes sir. Do we need to come right a little? I think you proceed initially to Abbeville, if you wish Abbeville by the right. Understand turn right. We could go to Abbeville VOR, BRC Negative. Proceed Abbeville, BRC or if you prefer BRC direct. Direct to the BRC Interaction schemata ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  18. Phonology - the problem • phonology is a crucial parameter for intelligibility, • sound channel imperfections • absence of visual channel • non-native speaker (NNS) reliance on acoustic input • but phonological features are: • least described by linguists • strongly influenced by mother tongue • most closely linked with personal identity • least susceptible to conscious control ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  19. Phonology - some solutions • All stakeholders follow ICAO recommendations • standardised phraseology/standardised pronunciation of alphabet, numbers • NNS renounce a pure native speaker (NS) target for pronunciation • linguists define core phonology e.g. Lingua Franca Core (Jenkins) combining crucial features of regional variants • vowel length distinctions, • correct placing of nuclear stress, • marking of tone boundaries, • avoid simplification of some consonant clusters • learners practise paired interactions (different first language backgrounds) • NS cultivate skills of accommodation in speaking • perception of interlocutor’s possible linguistic difficulties • replacement of ‘ high-risk ’ L1 features to increase communicative efficiency • a natural inclination if intelligibility is a salient feature of the interaction • NS + NNS develop skills of “convergence” ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  20. Spontaneous convergence, if... • Productive convergence: • intelligibility is most salient aspect of interaction (eg Information transfer) • speaker appreciates listener's difficulties in using extra-linguistic context • target LFC item is within speaker's repertoire and can be produced effortlessly • no processing overload to prevent focus on pronunciation • Receptive convergence: • motivated to understand (eg. Information transfer) • prior exposure to speaker's accent • prior exposure to a range of L2 accents and tolerance of difference • no fear of acquiring speaker's transfer errors • linguistically and affectively able to signal non-comprehension ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  21. Level 4: implementation issues • A licensing requirement: • level 4 = operational (the safety standard) • levels 4-6: re-test intervals • supplementary descriptors for ICAO phraseology? • A training objective: • intermediate levels (3.5…) • aim higher to: • increase safety margins? • facilitate maintenance • unstable vs. consolidated levels • variability of performance (mood, stress,…) • one or more skills are borderline • A benchmark for: • monitoring performance in aeronautical commmunications • analysing occurrences, incidents,... ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  22. Level 4: application to phraseology • Possible descriptors: • Mostly uses standard ICAO phraseology accurately and appropriately, even when switching between phraseology and appropriate plain language. • Pronunciation of phraseology conforms to ICAO recommended pronunciations when available, or otherwise to a natural model of pronunciation which is intelligible to the aeronautical community. • Speech transmitting technique (enunciation, rate of speech, pausing, and speaking volume) is adequate to fulfil ICAO recommendations for intelligibility. ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

  23. Further reading • ICAO (2004), Doc 9835 AN/453, Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements. • Jenkins, J (2000), The Phonology of English as an International Language, Oxford University Press. • Mell, J (1992), Etude des communications verbales entre pilote et contrôleur en situation standard et non-standard, Editions de l’ENAC. • Websites • www.icaea.pata.pl (International Civil Aviation English Association) • http://culture.coe.fr (Common European Framework for Modern Languages) ICAO-Eurocontrol European Seminar on Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communications, Eurocontrol Brussels October 27th-28th 2005

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