THE NARRATIVES OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS ON NAVIGATING THE MULTILINGUAL DYNAMICS IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY: AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
REMAR B. BARCIBAL

SANTO NINO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
UNIVERSITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Abstract

This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the narratives of Filipino seafarers on navigating the multilingual dynamics in the maritime industry and how Filipino seafarers make sense of these multilingual experiences. The study involved seven Filipino seafarers who have direct exposure to multilingual communication and active engagement with multinational crews. In an in-depth interview, each of the participant shared their narratives on navigating the multilingual dynamics in the maritime industry. Through thematic analysis, four superordinate themes emerged: Upon reflecting on their experiences, the seafarers acknowledged the vital role of adaptive communication strategies in navigating multilingual dynamics at sea- the seafarers highlighted the importance of multilingual competence in ensuring operational safety, teamwork, and professional growth- the seafarers emphasized the significance of transforming multilingual encounters into opportunities for personal resilience, cultural awareness, and professional development- and the seafarers recognized the importance of fostering interpersonal harmony and cultural sensitivity among multinational crews.

Keywords: multilingual dynamics, maritime industry, interpretative phenomenological analysis, narratives, Filipino seafarers

Topic: Information Engineering