A Comparison of Routine and Emergency Situations in ATC Communication: Expressions of Politeness and Speech rate

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 2,7, University of Bayreuth, language: English, abstract: This research paper explores the linguistic differences between routine and emergency situations in air traffic control (ATC) communication, focusing on politeness markers and speech rate. By analyzing real-life pilot-controller exchanges, the study examines how politeness and speech tempo vary under different conditions, providing insights into their impact on communication efficiency and safety. The findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of how language use in high-stress environments like aviation can influence outcomes. This work is ideal for linguists, aviation professionals, and anyone interested in the role of language in critical communication settings.