Nonverbal Register of Fishermen in Demak Coastal Community

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of nonverbal registers in the communication practices of fishermen in the Demak coastal community. The research was conducted to identify, classify, and interpret the forms, meanings, and context of forming the nonverbal registers used in the fishermen’s daily interactions. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. Methodological and source triangulation were employed to ensure the validity of findings. Drawing on sociolinguistic theory, particularly Halliday’s register framework, the analysis reveals that fishermen in the Demak coastal community employ a structured system of nonverbal communication that can be grouped into three main categories: registers related to fish species, fishing conditions, and fishing results. These registers not only help overcome barriers to verbal communication, such as engine noise, wind, and distance at sea, but also serve broader sociocultural purposes. Specifically, they facilitate efficient communication, strengthen collective identity, and reinforce social hierarchies between juragan (boat owners) and pandega (crew members). The findings underscore that nonverbal registers operate as a distinctive semiotic system within the fishermen community, reflecting adaptation to the work environment while simultaneously embodying local cultural values. This study contributes to documenting linguistic variation in occupational settings and highlights the importance of preserving traditional communicative practices in coastal communities.