GM1 ATCO.B.045 Language training

• ED Decision 2015/010/R found in: Air Traffic Controllers Licensing and Certification (2015/340) Part-ATCO (Jun 2024)

GM1 ATCO.B.045  Language training ED Decision 2015/010/R While it is true that many licence holders regularly have prolonged and extensive opportunities to practise — and so to maintain — their language proficiency, it is also true that a purely routine use of the language through phraseology, standard procedures and limited social contact only maintains a restricted core usage of the language which might be quite inadequate for managing unexpected and abnormal situations. Research shows that language proficiency erosion (language attrition) occurs rapidly over time; the lower the initial level, the faster the rate of erosion unless systematic strategies and a high degree of motivation counter this trend. It is very well documented that one’s language and communicative proficiency, even in one’s native language, deteriorates sharply under stress, therefore, it is recommended that licence holders participate in available language training.