14: Nautical and Aeronautical Literacies

Many scientific and practical fields have a unique vocabulary. These vocabularies provide operational terms that are critical in conducting practical activities in the field. An example of this can be seen in naval and aeronautical navigation. Naval and aeronautical terms are often closely related. Bearing, for example, is used by both sailors and pilots, as are rudder and yaw. Although similar, each area also has its own specialized terms. Naval terms include: kedge, half hitch, and ketch. Aeronautical terms include aileron, spoiler, Vertical Sight Indicator (VSI), and Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range Finder (VOR). This chapter will explore five of the many associations that form the codex of naval and aeronautical literacies.