Language in the Sky: Can Linguistics Shape Airline Safety?
Date & time
5 November 2025 | 19.00-21.00
What's on offer?
Through engaging stories, audience Q&A, and accessible explanations, Paul will explore:
How airline communication has changed over the past 30 years
The ways linguists investigate and understand the impact of language on safety
Personal experiences from working in aviation and transitioning into research
The big question: how do multilingual flight crews make sure that everyone stays safe at 30,000 feet?
What's it about?
Paul explains his motivation for hosting this talk and sharing his research findings;
“I’m keen to help particularly young people to understand how social science investigates real world problems. I want to show how curiosity about questions can be directed into investigation—and how that journey can open doors to careers people might never have considered.”
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, curious about how social science solves real-world problems, or just want a stimulating evening out, this event promises to change the way you think about every announcement you’ve ever heard on a plane!
Who's leading the event?
Paul Fernandez, University of Surrey
Open to
Anybody interested in language or flying
Of particular interest to
As above
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