The Language of Seafaring: Standardized Conventions and Discursive Features in Speech Communications

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URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10498/15556
DOI: 10.6018/ijes/2011/1/137091
ISSN: 1578-7044
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Bocanegra Valle, Ana María
Date
2011-01-01Department
Filología Francesa e InglesaSource
IJES, vol. 11(1), pp. 35-53Abstract
This paper portrays how English language is constructed and displayed by shipboard crews and shore-based
personnel when communicating through radiotelephony. Based on internationally-recognized recommendations
for implementation when ships communicate with each other or with shore-based stations as well as on examples
of current practice contained in marine communication manuals, this paper explores the message patterns, the
standardized conventions, and the general and discursive practices governing speech communications at sea.
Firstly, marine communications are defined and the role of Maritime English in the shipping industry for
ensuring a safe and efficient passage discussed. Then, the standardized language of the sea is explained. Next, a
move-step model to the analysis of the stages making up communicative exchanges at sea is applied and the
main general and discursive features that prevail in such exchanges described. Finally, two examples help to
illustrate the model and features presented and discussed.