Intercultural Communication and Discourse Analysis: The Case of Aviation English

Historically, applied linguistics has tended to shift from a theoretical approach toward a problem solving approach. Intercultural communication as a field of study has gained its position through asking how people from different cultures communicate and how misunderstanding can be prevented. Within the domain of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Aviation English has become a matter of concentration worldwide. The requirements introduced by International Civil Aviation Organization encompass both technical language and plain English applicable to both native and non-native English speakers. However, based on cultural differences, related conventions, and diverse communication styles, air traffic controllers and pilots sometimes use English in a way that may cause confusion and misunderstanding, which in turn can result in aviation accidents or incidents. This paper aims to consider cultural dimensions as introduced by Hofstede (1980) and their involvement in aviation context. The paper highlights the necessity of focusing more on intercultural communicative competence in the teaching of aviation English.