Courtesy Negotiation in Momuhaboi (Meminang) Ceremony of Kadazandusun Society

Abstract

Momuhaboi (meminang) ceremony in the Kadazandusun community requires the arrangement of civilized words to enable negotiation to be done in the complete way of gracious manner However, this tradition is increasingly forgotten because it is less used during merisik. If this situation persists then the legacy of the chosen words used exclusively for this ceremony will disappear. This is a major loss to the Kadazandusun generation as the bearer and conservator of the nation's heritage. Therefore, this study was carried out to collect the words that are often used during negotiations in momuhaboi (meminang) ceremony by Kadazandusun community. Data is obtained through fieldwork by interviewing and recording the old generation who have gone through the merisik rites in the past. The researcher also attended several merisik ceremonies at this time for the purpose of collecting data. The data were analyzed using cognitive semantic theory for the purpose of categorizing words with elements of euphemism. Then, the data is reported in descriptive form. The data analysis found that the Kadazandusun community used words of euphemism so that the communication process can be carried out in a civilized manner. This makes the negotiations to know the background of both parties, determining the resources and customs so that it is conducted in a harmonious atmosphere. The study found that the Kadazandusun community was rich in euphemisme in negotiations during merisik and engaged. The legacy should be preserved in order that the culture can be inherited by the next generation.