Pemaliq Words of Human Death within the Society of Sasak-Indonesia: A Linguistic Anthropology Study

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the world’s view and cultural values conceptualized by the community of Sasak on pemaliq words of human death. Non-participatory observation and in-depth interview methods were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. It applied Miles and Huberman analysis model consisting of data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results of the study showed that pemaliq words of human death used by the Sasak community in Sigar Penjalin Village, North Lombok Regency, Indonesia, reflected the perspective of the ancestors in understanding the nature of death. It means those who experience death are the physical matters, while the human spirits keep on living and they are in a holy place, namely in alam alus (subtle world). The Sasak community of Sigar Penjalin Village forbid the use of matѐ ‘died’ as a word for human death, not only it is considered impolite, but it is believed in bringing tulah manuh ‘misfortune’ to those who are using that particular word. Therefore, the ancestors of the Sasak community in Sigar Penjalin Village is in practice of using certain words as a way of avoidance, namely the word adѐq ‘nonexistence’, ngѐnangang ‘leaving’, and ulѐq ‘returning home’ (euphemistic words), in which all are used to represent the word matѐ ‘died’. Cultural values reflected in the use of those words, namely the values of religiosity, consciousness, and politeness.