Tagakaulo in Trade: A Phenomenological Exploration on the Journey of Language Preservation

Abstract

Trade plays a significant role in human history, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas across cultures, especially language, which is vital for communication, negotiation, and understanding. This paper examined the Tagakaulo language and its role in trade from a phenomenological perspective. The study used a qualitative-phenomenological research design and an in-depth interview (IDI), and it was analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological data analysis. A thematic analysis was used to explore the Tagakaulo language and its role in trade from a phenomenological perspective. The themes that emerged from challenges experienced during the trade of products were Marginalization, Cultural Differences, Lack of Representation, Cultural Preservation, and Language. Cultural Preservation (Language Preservation), Cultural Promotion, and Assimilation emerged from coping mechanisms in navigating trade issues and concerns. Aspects of native language to emphasize mitigating challenges emerged themes of Vocabulary for Trade, Tagakaulo Language Awareness and Utilization, and Trade Etiquette. Future research could further study long-term trade effects on the Tagakaulo dialect and cultures, focusing on language preservation, revitalization through cultural promotion, and the impact of tourism on language documentation, effective trade negotiation strategies on language preferences, cross-cultural communication in trade, and representation of Indigenous voices in trade.