Vowel Centered Accent Modification in Mandarin Chinese Speaking Pilot Candidates

ABSTRACT

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of vowel centered accent modification (VCAM) on percent vowels correct (PVC) in Mandarin-speaking Chinese pilot candidates at the word, phrase, and semi-structured speech levels to increase the likelihood of pilot candidates passing the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Level 4 English Proficiency Requirement.

Method

This was a single-subject changing criterion design with six participants. Three target vowels and one control vowel were selected for each participant. Mono and bi-syllabic target words were selected from aviation textbooks recommended by the flight academy. Visual feedback and placement cues were provided to assist with each participant’s vowel productions. The Pierson Aviation English Questionnaire (PAEQ), a pre- and post-measure, was also administered.

Results

All participants demonstrated gains in PVC at the three levels of difficulty. Participants reported decreased anxiety levels when speaking with native speakers, air traffic controllers, and flight instructors. All pilot candidates reported increased self-confidence levels when using aviation phraseology and an increase in enjoyment when speaking English.

Conclusion

This investigation was the first of its kind to evaluate the effectiveness of vowel-centered accent modification in pilot candidates. It was also the first investigation to demonstrate the usefulness of skilled speech-language pathology intervention and the positive effect on improving intelligibility of second-language English speakers in aviation.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Hillsboro Aero Academy who welcomed and saw tremendous merit in this research. They provided necessary and important support throughout the duration of this investigation despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this research would not have been possible without the “Original 6”. The pilots who participated in this novel investigation now fly massive aircrafts around the world while speaking on behalf of hundreds of passengers every day. What an extraordinary honor it has been to watch your dreams take flight.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Vowels are represented using the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions [Graduate Research Support Fund $584 for materials.].