#Aviation #English Exam Looms

English is the international language for aviation.

By March 1, 2011, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires commercial pilots flying international routes to demonstrate an English language proficiency of  Level 4 (operational).

The scramble is on for English professors to prepare pilots to meet the demand in time given the special demands of learning and practicing English for Aviation.

Given read-back/hear-back error is the greatest threat in air safety communications, the ICAO moved to implement English language proficiency norms for pilots.

The bet is better communications will reduce human error and promote greater safety for both passengers and crew.

Note: Read more on ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Will #ABA Abandon the #LSAT?

Apparently the American Bar Association is considering abandoning the requirement of LSAT scores for accredited law schools.

The decision  could come next year according to the article on the ABA's website: ''LSAT Would Be Optional Under Possible ABA Accreditation Change.''

Do you agree with this move? Is it a loosening of standards or pragmatism?

Surely aspiring students to law school agree, but what about the test preparation industry.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

#Chavez Needs #English Lessons

credit: BBC

English is important for world leaders personally despite professional interpreters in earshot to make sure the correct meaning is conveyed given the stakes of an errant word.

Case in point is the grand gathering of global potentates in Brasilia at the inauguration of Brazilian Presidente Dilma Rousseff last Saturday.

Now we have even more details about the awkward tête-a-tête between Venezuelan Presidente Chavez and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Venezuela and the US are at odds over a range of issues in Latin America.

Chavez to Hillary: ''How are you wife?'' according to the Spanish daily El Mundo.
Hillary (laughing): ''Ah, husband, husband.''

Chavez admitted he was mistaken because he speaks English poorly.

In the photos of the encounter, interpreters did not seem to be present. It would be curious to know how well Mrs. Clinton speaks Spanish.

Sidebar: Brazilian financial magazine Exame says Presidente Rousseff spoke in both Portuguese and English with Hillary; an interpreter was present in those conversations.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!