Abstract

The diffusion of environmental values, beliefs, and ethics through conservation language influences communication channels and messages. In multicultural coastal societies, the interactions and interdependencies among various linguistic and cultural groups shape attitudes, conversations, and behaviors toward aquatic ecosystems. The study focuses on linguistic and ecological advocacy and the importance of language in defining the concept of "aquatic thought, "the socio-cultural consciousness associated with water and water bodies." Through discourse analysis of indigenous, local, and world coastal linguistic ecologies, the study examines the ecological metaphors, stories, and language that aid or impede the development of ecological consciousness and care. The findings demonstrate that languages with rich, deep metaphors of "water," aquatic ecosystems, and freshwater systems hold both ecological wisdom and strong emotional and spiritual ties of community attachment and integration. The integration of local languages into environmental conservation advocacy and education, in practice and theory, enhances value reconciliation by fostering inclusivity and integrating cultural perspectives into the science of advocacy. The study culminates in demonstrating that inclusivity in language enhances community engagement, ecological citizenship, and advocacy for aquatic resources. Drawing on "aquatic thought" as a linguistic and cultural pillar, the paper illustrates the importance of language diversity in developing community-based, culturally resilient aquatic conservation models.

Keywords: Aquatic conservation, Environmental communication, Linguistic diversity, Multicultural coastal societies, Aquatic thought, Indigenous knowledge, Sustainability