Lexical Representations of Prototypes of Semantic Primitives in Balinese Tradition and Their Meaning Configuration in English

Abstract

Variation of Balinese lexicons, in particular to the field of tradition, needs documenting thoroughly. It can be done through mapping, explicating, and configurating the meaning of lexical representation of prototypes of semantic primitives based upon the theory of Natural Semantic Metalanguage (Wierzbicka, 1996) with its Cultural Scripts model (Goddard, 2002). Data was collected by a participative observation method of which the technique was in form of focus group discussion (Bungin, 2001: 57; Moleong, 2000). A deep interview was then applied in order to collect further information on the use of lexicons. Data was then comprehensively analyzed by a padan method by which relevant theories were employeed and an agih method of the language itself (Sudaryanto, 2003). The result of analysis showed that (1) There are 16 prototypes of semantic primitives of which Balinese lexical representations vary and fall into three different categories, namely impolite, neutral, and polite; (2) meaning explication and configuration of each lexical representation can be done with explanation of components of entity, process, manner, instruments, result, time, and cognitive aspects using low-level scripts model with if-when condition in specific Balinese culture.