Peut-on écouter le marin ?

Abstract

The article aims at deconstructing the soundscape in which Breton commercial fishermen work. It is the result of a four-year ethnographic study. The article calls for a change of perspective in the way fishermen are perceived socially – they are indeed often associated with the cliche of silent virilism. At the root of this very caricature: the noisy environment constantly surrounding them. Heavy noise and hostile environment onboard convey a certain fascination to observers of the sea. Therefore, anthropology has neglected to “listen to” fishermen, as if deafened both by the din on deck and by classist objectification. What does the soundscape of fishermen’s activity tell us about their social position?Thus, the article is calling for an anthropology which would pay more attention to whispering arts of resistance at sea.

Keywords

• fishing
• ocean
• soundscape
• work
• ethnography