Metaphorical Expression on Kaghati in Muna language: Ecolinguistic Perspective

Abstract

This paper aims at describing metaphors on kaghati that used by the language community in Muna. Kaghati is a typical kite of the Muna tribe. The whole material of kaghati is obtained from the natural environment. Therefore, the interactions, interrelationships and interdependencies between Muna Speech Community (MSC) and nature are very high. For that, they always try to maintain the balance of nature. The degree of familirity is shown through metaphorical expressions created in the kaghati environment. The metaphorical frames are structured by forms of interaction of two models; a source and a target domain. The method employed was qualitative approach and the data obtained was from five informants who were born in Muna, especially in Lia Ngkobori village. The range of the ages was from 35 to 70 years and they also married the locals. The numbers of metaphors are nine pieces which commonly used as vernacular. In general, metaphors of Muna language constituted by the body of kaghati as the source domain and kaghati’s character in the sky or human’s behavior or his manner stands as the target domain. The relationship of both was processed in thought of the users, and also respected to the convention of the language community. For example, kaghatiku nobhie fotuno ‘my kite is heavy on the head’, convey metaphorical meaning ‘someone who has a stubborn nature, does not like being advised, or a person who is lazy to think forward to develop their potential.’