Verbs of Flying in Pilots' Language: A lexico- Semantic Study

Abstract

In this paper a number of verbs used internationally by pilots are analyzed. It is shown that their lexical composition is changed in such a way that special features (like+/ - own power, +/- contact to the ground) become important. This gives the verbs a special meaning which is related to the general meaning of every day usage in the same way in which scientifically planned and controlled movements (of a plane) are related to natural movements (of people and things). The analysis is to show that language for special purposes rests on a scientific view of reality in the same way as general language rests on every day assumptions and encyclopedic knowledge of its users.