Ocean Literacy in Seaside Sanctuary Series: Exploring the Interconnectivity Between Ocean and Humans

Abstract

This research explores the interconnectivity between ocean and humans in Emma Carlson Berne's Seaside Sanctuary series consisting of four books, Orca in Open Water, Oil-Soaked Wings, A Dolphin Named Star, and The Disappearing Otters. This study aims to analyze how the discourse of interconnectivity between ocean and humans is represented in Seaside Sanctuary series which just focuses on investigating ocean literacy’s principle 6: the ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. Ocean literacy means understanding the influence of the ocean and its inhabitants on humans and on the mainland, as well as humans' influence on the ocean This study employs Stuart Hall's theory of representation, specifically the constructionist approach, and Michael Foucault's discursive approach. In its nature, this qualitative research provides the close reading technique to collect data in the forms of selected words, phrases, thoughts, dialogues, or narratives in the series. The results reveal the discourse of the interconnectivity between ocean and humans that focuses on ocean literacy’s principle 6, which shows the inextricable interconnection between ocean and human, is represented in Seaside Sanctuary series that is conducted from the acts of each of the characters inside the series towards the animals. There are several characters’ behavior who act positively with the animals, but some of them are act negatively. This research finds that Berne encourages child readers to shape awareness and concern for the environment's health, in particular ocean health.