Identity, Language Barriers, and Subaltern in Trekking Guides’ Career

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the lived experiences of professional trekking guides in Nepal, focusing on issues of identity formation, language barriers, and power dynamics within the tourism industry. Drawing on narrative inquiry, the study employs semi-structured interviews with trekking guides as primary data sources to examine how they navigate multilingual and intercultural communication with international tourists. The research identifies specific challenges, such as misunderstandings of cultural references, varied accents, and idiomatic expressions, which frequently hinder effective communication. It further analyzes the strategies employed by guides to overcome these barriers, including the use of basic multilingual phrases, visual aids, and non-verbal communication techniques such as gestures and facial expressions. The study also examines the role of language proficiency in enhancing tourists' experiences and satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of linguistic and intercultural competence in the trekking profession. The theoretical framework incorporates subaltern studies to understand the socio-cultural positioning of trekking guides and their identity construction through occupational narratives. Findings reveal that guides often construct their professional identities through resilience and adaptation amid systemic inequalities and communication challenges.This research underscores the need for structured training programs to enhance the language and intercultural skills of trekking guides. It also offers policy-level recommendations for tourism stakeholders, including trekking companies and government agencies, to provide institutional support for guides operating in linguistically diverse environments. Overall, the study highlights how language and identity intersect within Nepal’s trekking industry, impacting both guide experiences and tourist satisfaction.