Gajah dalam Peribahasa Melayu: Analisis Rangka Rujuk Silang

Elephas Maximus in Malay Proverbs: Cross-Reference Framework Analysis

Abstract

The beauty of Malay proverbs can not only be seen through the use of poetic language but can also be seen through the common sense. A beautiful proverb with a deep meaning is the result of the Malay community's high appreciation and common sense towards the environment that underlies life. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the elephant -based domain in proverbs based on corpus data obtained through the book Malay Proverbs: A Study of Meaning and Value written by Zaitul Azma Zainon Hamzah and Ahmad Fuad Mat Hassan (2011) and www.malaycivilization.com website. This study applies the Cross-Reference Framework (RRS) from Kempson (1984). The results of the study found that the element of elephant serves as a symbol in Malay proverbs that are closely related to life of the Malay community itself. There are five main domains of elephant proverbs which are include the domains of leadership (12 proverbs), humanity (14 roverbs), life (13 proverb), thrift (3 proverbs) and knowledge (3 provrbs). Malay observations and life experiences were contributing to creative thinking in conveying the implicit message with politeness.