Interpersonal Communication Through Affectionate-Themed Pantun in Kurik Kundi Merah Saga

Pantun has long been regarded as a distinguished communicative channel, inherited across generations. Despite the challenges posed by globalization, this traditional oral art continues to endure. Beyond serving as a form of entertainment, pantun functions as a medium for expressing affection, advice, and moral values in a subtle and refined manner. This study examines the aspect of interpersonal communication by focusing on the social function of pantun in reflecting the refinement of character and the cultural values of the Malay community. Pantun was selected due to its aesthetic qualities and its ability to convey implicit meanings through natural imagery in the pembayang (introductory lines) and the maksud (meaning lines), which are structured in quatrains. This study employs a qualitative approach, with data drawn from Kurik Kundi Merah Saga, a collection of traditional Malay oral pantun. The analysis specifically focuses on affectionate-themed pantun. Data were analyzed using discourse analysis to identify language patterns, communicative symbols, and the functions of pantun within social interactions. The study applies DeVito’s Interpersonal Communication Theory (2009), which emphasizes the elements of message, meaning, and relational dynamics between individuals. The findings reveal that affectionate-themed pantun function as a medium of interpersonal communication that emphasizes politeness, linguistic refinement, and emotional subtlety, while remaining relevant as a cultural communication tool for strengthening identity and preserving heritage.

interpersonal communication, Malay oral tradition, affectionate-themed pantun, cultural values

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