Voices from the Tower: A Narrative Inquiry into the English Language Learning Strategies of Indonesian Air Traffic Controllers

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-613-0_42How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Language Learning Strategies (LLS); Air Traffic Controller (ATC); English for Specific Purposes (ESP); Narrative Inquiry; Self-Regulated Learning; Aviation English

Abstract

This study explores the English Language Learning Strategies (LLS) perceived and utilized by Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) at the Makassar Air Traffic Service Center (MATSC). In the high-stake environment of aviation, where clear communication is significant, understanding how controllers maintain and improve their English proficiency is critical. Adopting a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, this research conducted semi-structured interviews to investigate the learning experiences of ATCs. The findings reveal a group of highly autonomous and responsible learners who perceive English as a malleable skill, not an innate talent. They employ a dual-approach to learning, blending informal, technology-driven strategies such as learning through digital media, with foundational, structured techniques such as memorization. A significant finding is the “Social Strategy Paradox,” wherein direct conversation is commonly uttered as the most effective strategy yet is the most underutilized due to a lack of opportunity. Furthermore, a “Planning Gap” exists between the controllers’ high capacity for self-monitoring and their inconsistent application of proactive, goaloriented planning. This study concludes that while MATSC controllers possess a strong foundation for self-regulated learning, their progress is constrained by a gap between strategic awareness and consistent implementation. The findings offer critical implications for designing targeted training policies that can bridge this gap and improve aviation safety.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Didik Agus Suryono
AU  - Nasmilah
AU  - Abidin
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/04
TI  - Voices from the Tower: A Narrative Inquiry into the English Language Learning Strategies of Indonesian Air Traffic Controllers
BT  - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Linguistics and Cultural Studies (ICLC-6 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 531
EP  - 545
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-613-0_42
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-613-0_42
ID  - Suryono2026
ER  -