Connecting Words and Waves: Communication Practices for Fisherfolk Communities

This qualitative study explored the communication practices of fisherfolk communities, emphasizing the role of dialogue in sustaining livelihoods, fostering social cohesion, and preserving cultural identity. Anchored in socio-cultural theory, the research investigated how verbal and non-verbal communication shaped daily routines, market interactions, and community decision-making among fisherfolk in coastal areas. Using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s method, in-depth interviews were conducted with selected fisherfolk to uncover patterns and meanings behind their communication strategies. Findings revealed that respectful and trust-based conversations not only facilitated economic exchanges, such as selling fish on credit or negotiating prices, but also reinforced communal bonds, transmitted traditional knowledge, and provided emotional support in times of hardship. The study highlighted that communication was not merely a tool for information exchange but a vital element in navigating the waves of both livelihood and life. It recommended the integration of culturally rooted communication practices into community development and extension programs to better support fisherfolk resilience and sustainability.