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🤓 Our assessors must assess basic vocabulary for general English discourse as well as more technical vocabulary relating to the candidate’s routine activities (VFR/IFR, private/professional). The ability to paraphrase or clarify meaning by reformulation is an important part of assessment in this area.
🌍 Doc 9835 Appendix B part II gives guidance on vocabulary domains related to aviation communications. It also defines vocabulary as including individual words and fixed expressions.

👋 Basic approach to vocabulary:

❓ Is vocabulary limited and/or inappropriate? Is there an inability to paraphrase in order to work around a lack of vocabulary? Is there frequent use of ‘borrowed’ words from native language?
✅This may indicate a tendency towards a level 3️⃣ in this area.

❓ Is the vocabulary sufficient from an operational point of view? Is there an ability to paraphrase when lacking vocabulary?
✅This may indicate a level 4️⃣ in this area.

❓ Is the candidate able to paraphrase consistently and successfully? Is there evidence that candidate is able to use language idiomatic?
✅This may indicate a level 5️⃣ in this area.

❓ Is vocabulary wide ranging (well beyond routine operational needs) and sufficient to expression nuance and shades of meaning? Is there regular, effective and appropriate use of idiomatic language? Is the candidate sensitive to register?
✅This may indicate a level 6️⃣ in this area.

Click here for the ICAO/EASA Language Rating Scale

Olivier Thaon

Operational examiner, linguistic examiner