Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 48 no. 8 (2025)

The Narratives of Filipino Seafarers on Navigating the Multilingual Dynamics in the Maritime Industry: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Remar Barcibal | Gloria P. Gempes

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The maritime industry is inherently multilingual, with seafarers navigating diverse linguistic and cultural contexts as part of their daily work. For Filipino seafarers, who comprise a significant portion of the global maritime workforce, effective communication across languages is crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for their personal and professional well-being. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers in navigating multilingual dynamics at sea, focusing on how they make sense of their encounters and how these experiences shape their professional and personal lives. A phenomenological research design was employed to capture and interpret participants’ perspectives. Seven Filipino seafarers, all with direct exposure to multilingual communication and active engagement with multinational crews, were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews in which participants shared narratives about their communication practices, challenges, and coping strategies on board international vessels. The data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to identify patterns of meaning across individual accounts. Four key themes emerged. First, seafarers emphasized the importance of adaptive communication strategies, highlighting the need for flexibility, creativity, and patience in overcoming language barriers. Second, they emphasized the importance of multilingual competence for safety, teamwork, and career advancement. Third, participants described multilingual encounters as opportunities to build resilience, cultivate cultural awareness, and advance professional development. Ultimately, they recognized the importance of fostering interpersonal harmony through respect, empathy, and mutual understanding within diverse teams. Overall, the findings revealed that multilingualism was not only a challenge but also a transformative resource that enhanced adaptability, competence, and resilience. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of language in the maritime profession, underscoring the importance of preparing seafarers for the linguistic and cultural complexities of international seafaring.



References:

  1. Acejo, I. (2020). The experience of being a Filipino seafarer on a multinationally crewed ship. WMU studies in maritime affairs (pp. 99–111). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49825-2_9 
  2. Alexandra, L. (2025). The Impact of Nonverbal Miscommunication on Intercultural Relations. ResearchGate. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391116228
  3. Alibec, C., & Apostol-Mates, C. (2023). Multilingual crews and on-board communication: Creating cross-cultural connections. Scientific Bulletin of Naval Academy, 26(1), 95–99. ResearchGate. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375561747_Multilingual_Crews_and_on_Board_Communication_Creating_Cross_-_Cultural_Connections  
  4. Alsaigh, R., & Coyne, I. (2021). Doing a hermeneutic phenomenology research underpinned by Gadamer’s philosophy: a framework to facilitate data analysis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211047820  
  5. Bahrain, N. N. K., Sakrani, S. N. R., & Maidin, A. (2023). Communication Barriers in the work environment: understanding impact and challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(11). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i11/19498 
  6. Bhatti, M. A., Alzahrani, S. A. (2023). Navigating linguistic barriers: Exploring the experiences of host national connectedness among multilingual individuals. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(3), 96-112. http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.903006 
  7. Buarquob, I. (2019). Language barriers to effective communication. Redalyc. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://www.redalyc.org/journal/279/27962177008/html/  
  8. Castillo, I., Santos, M., Lopez, J., Vigonte, F., & Abante, M. V. (2023). General information, multi-cultural awareness, influencing factors, issues encountered and need assessment among seafarers of foreign vessel in Bataan Philippine-based coal plant. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4625297 
  9. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  10. Dacwag, C. (2018). Communicative Behaviors of Filipino Seafarers: Toward the development of a Globally Responsive Maritime English Course. Athens Journal of Education, 5(3), 283–298. https://doi.org/10.30958/aje.5-3-4
  11. Dai, Y., Li, H., Xie, W., & Deng, T. (2022). Power distance belief and workplace communication: the mediating role of fear of authority. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 2932. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052932 
  12. Denzin, N.K., & Lincoln, Y.S. (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  13. Heslop, I. Adap, E., Metante, R.F., Obispo, E.F.L., Pasay, K.L., Rosal, C.A., Villa, R.G., & Tayros, M. (2024) Filipinism at sea: a qualitative study of filipino seafarers’ perspectives on language use in international vessels. International Journal of Science and Management Studies (IJSMS), v7(i5), 126-135. https://doi.org/10.51386/25815946/ijsms-v7i5p110   
  14. Heslop, I. Q. (2023). Seafarers’ perception on maritime English utilization on board. International Journal of Science and Management Studies (IJSMS), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.51386/25815946/ijsms-v6i4p120 
  15. Hu, F. (2017). Tackling the challenges of multicultural crewing practices in the shipping industry: An approach to enhancing cultural awareness among crew [Master’s thesis, World Maritime University]. The Maritime Commons. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://commons.wmu.se/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1556&context=all_dissertations 
  16. Huyler, D., & McGill, C. M. (2019). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, by John Creswell and J. David Creswell. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication, Inc. 275 pages, $67.00 (Paperback). New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development, 31(3), 75–77. https://doi.org/10.1002/nha3.20258 
  17. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). (n.d.). https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/humanelement/pages/stcw-conv-link.aspx 
  18. Jones, J., & Dinh, H. (2025). Support model to promote college opportunities for TRIO multicultural multilingual students in rural. In Advances in higher education and professional development book series (pp. 1–38). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3506-2.ch001 
  19. Magsino, R. G., Paraggua, V. Q., Mobo, F. D., Acuavera, R. C., Villavicencio, L. D., Pasa, G. C., & Guiang, S. L. A. (2023). Students’ onboard experiences: Basis for improved shipboard training program policy. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 8(2), 259–274. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijels.82.38 
  20. Mahdi, S. S., Jafri, H. A., Allana, R., Battineni, G., Khawaja, M., Sakina, S., Agha, D., Rehman, K., & Amenta, F. (2023). Systematic review on the current state of disaster preparation Simulation Exercises (SimEx). BMC Emergency Medicine, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-023-00824-8  
  21. International Labour Organization. (2025, June 27). Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. International Labour Organization. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://www.ilo.org/international-labour-standards/maritime-labour-convention-2006 
  22. McLeod, S. (2024). Phenomenology in qualitative research. Simply Psychology. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/phenomenology-in-qualitative-research.html 
  23. Musheke, M. M., & Phiri, J. (2021). The effects of effective communication on organizational performance based on the systems Theory. Open Journal of Business and Management, 09(02), 659–671. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2021.92034 
  24. Naderifar, M., Goli, H., & Ghaljaie, F. (2017). Snowball sampling: a purposeful method of sampling in qualitative research. Strides in Development of Medical Education, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.5812/sdme.67670
  25. Pang, H. T., Zhou, X., & Chu, M. (2024). Cross-cultural differences in using nonverbal behaviors to identify indirect replies. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 48(2), 323–344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10919-024-00454-z 
  26. Rayos, J. L., & Borbon, N. M. (2022). Seafarers’ attitude and cultural adaptation influencing the work motivation during the time of pandemic. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 10(1). 10.5861/ijrsm.2022.17
  27. Risda, D., Syihabuddin, S., Nurdin, E. S., & Malihah, E. (2025). The impact of intercultural Japanese language teaching based on Gen-AI and multimedia on intercultural communication adaptation, learning motivation (L2), and Japanese language proficiency. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 24(7), 256–277. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.7.13 
  28. Sholikhah, M., & Isnaini, M. H. (2024). EFL learners’ views on the use of Code-Switching in reducing speaking anxiety. Voices of English Language Education Society, 8(1), 115–127. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i1.25442  
  29. Smith, J. A., & Nizza, I. E. (2021). Essentials of interpretative phenomenological analysis. In American Psychological Association eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000259-000 
  30. Solomon, C. (2020). The communication dimension: A key to cross-cultural awareness that propels business success. RW3 CultureWizard. Retrieved September 27, 2025, from https://www.rw-3.com/blog/the-communication-dimension-a-key-to-cross-cultural-awareness-that-propels-business-success 
  31. Steen-Tveit, K., Munkvold, B. E., & Rustenberg, K. (2024). Use of Standard Operating Procedures for Supporting Cross-Organizational Emergency Management: Challenges and Opportunities Identified from a Tabletop Exercise. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 15(5), 673–687. 10.1007/s13753-024-00583-5
  32. Tuffour, I. (2017). A critical overview of interpretative phenomenological analysis: A contemporary qualitative research approach. Journal of Healthcare Communications, 02(04). https://doi.org/10.4172/2472-1654.100093 
  33. Veltsin, N., Chountalas, P. T., Koutsouki, E., Karvounidi, M. D., & Fousteris, A. E. (2025). Modeling human critical success factors for maritime safety: a DEMATEL approach. Safety Science, 189, 106886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2025.106886 
  34. Vlachos, I., Pantouvakis, A., & Karakasnaki, M. (2022). Determinants and stressors of seafarers’ job satisfaction: evidence from a global survey. Maritime Policy & Management, 51(2), 283–303. 10.1080/03088839.2022.2118884
  35. Woltron, B. (2024). What drives the Ship: The Human Element. The Development of a Learning Journey in Maritime Education and Training to Promote Safe Ship Operations. ResearchGate. 10.13140/RG.2.2.36070.02882
  36. Wu, L. (2024). Containerization of seafarers in the international shipping industry: contemporary seamanship, maritime social infrastructures, and mobility politics of global logistics. ResearchGate. 10.13140/RG.2.2.10869.96485
  37. Zhang, C. (2023). Addressing cultural differences: Effective communication techniques in complex organization. Academic Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 5(3), 30–33. https://doi.org/10.54097/5txujkkg

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic