Figurative expressions in Acehnese pregnancy cultural prohibitions as a language of protection

Khalsiah Khalsiah, Yunisrina Qismullah Yusuf, Cece Sobarna, Diana Fauzia Sari, Ima Indirayani, Azkiya Azkiya

Abstract


Cultural beliefs surrounding pregnancy are often communicated through figurative language, reflecting a society's values, fears, and protective instincts. This study investigates the figurative language used in Acehnese cultural prohibitions related to pregnancy, focusing on figurative expressions in traditional taboos. Conducted in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar, Indonesia, the research employs a qualitative methodology, analyzing the data from 12 informants, including pregnant women, those who had been pregnant, and caregivers. Data was collected through structured interviews and analyzed using a conceptual framework for figurative language categorization. The findings reveal 34 pregnancy-related cultural prohibitions about dietary restrictions, life safety, gender roles, and spiritual beliefs. Metonymy was the most common figurative device, followed by hyperbole, personification, and less frequently, simile, paradox, and synecdoche. For instance, metonymy links specific actions, such as eating certain foods or viewing accidents, to broader cultural and health outcomes, while hyperbole exaggerates the potential consequences of these actions. Personification attributes human-like qualities to spirits or supernatural forces, accenting the prohibitions' spiritual significance. The study reveals the complex relationship between Acehnese society's cultural beliefs, language, and health practices. It illustrates how figurative language helps reinforce and communicate these traditional norms. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of language in preserving cultural continuity and shaping societal behavior.


Keywords


Acehnese traditions; cultural prohibitions; figurative language; pregnancy

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v15i1.79412

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