Occupational Communication Modes and Symbols: A Study of the Non-Verbal Perspective of Artisanal Marine Fishing Practices in Ghana.

Abstract

In Ghana, virtually the entire coastline is strewn with marine fishing. Artisanal marine fishing however dominates the industry. The trade is essentially informal in nature. The communication pattern in this occupation is quite unique. Various modes and symbols, both tangible and intangible, serve as communication sources and media of information in the conduct of daily business. This study describes and records the nonverbal modes and symbols of communication in artisanal marine fishing in Ghana. It examines whether there are differences in the observed nonverbal communicative patterns among the sampled communities, and also assesses how time and modernity have affected the kind of communication pattern employed. It is qualitative, and employs a multiple case design that purposively samples three communities in the Central Region of Ghana. It is grounded on Morris’s semiotics on signs, behaviour and interaction, and Wilson’s taxonomy of non-verbal perspective of indigenous communication. Findings show that the stars, winds, waves, cultural events, among others communicate relevant messages to the fisherman. Differences in the nonverbal communicative pattern among the sampled communities are rather minimal, and attributed to variations in local culture. Technological advancement is also gradually catching up on the otherwise traditional occupation.

Keywords: Artisanal marine fishing, Non-verbal communication, Culture, Traditional media, Objects