B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
On the LUKIP7E arrival into CDG; ATC cleared our flight to descent from FL280 to FL230; which was clearly understood by all pilots aboard and read back correctly. Minutes later; our TCAS annunciated a traffic alert (aircraft visually sighted) and French ATC subsequently issued a turn for our aircraft away from the intruding traffic. The pilot flying took evasive action and the traffic conflict was resolved. No other further discussion from French ATC followed; further reinforcing our belief that this was an ATC handling error. Regardless of 'blame'; language accents may have played a factor in this event. Further; controllers overseas; despite ICAO guidelines that English be the primary language for communication and the fact that both pilots and controllers are fluent in English; still use native tongue when handling home-country aircraft. This reduces situational awareness for players who don't speak the language. This is particularly evident in the terminal environment and ground operations. At this point; the only recommendation to make is for foreign pilots to keep their heads on a swivel. Also; annunciate and speak clearly when communicating with controllers and use precise phraseology.
B757-200 International Relief Officer reported an airborne conflict on arrival into LFPG that was apparently due to a Controller error. Reporter cited Controller's accent as contributing.