Eufemisme Perceraian dalam Masyarakat Melayu Sarawak: Analisis Semantik Kognitif.

Divorce refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage between husband and wife which often bears negative connotations in view of the implications of the act itself and the emotions of the individuals involved. Generally, divorce is an issue that can be discussed explicitly or openly. However, not everyone feels comfortable talking about it directly and, thus, subtle language is used to express it. This paper describes the concept of divorce that exists within the Sarawak Malay community (MMS) by examining the use of euphemistic expressions in the domain of marital relations. A fieldwork was conducted at Kampung Buntal and Kampung Santubong, Sarawak involving interviews with two male informants and two female informants aged 40 and above. Interview questions revolved around the use of language in the topics of divorce. The data was further analyzed using the framework of Image Schemas, Conceptual Metaphors, and Metonymy within the Idealized Cognitive Models (ICMs) by Lakoff (1987). Findings reveal the use of divorce euphemisms such as sik ada jodoh gik (no longer a fated match), sik ada seratan (no longer destined), jodoh setakat tok jak (fate has run its course), seratan setakat tok jak (destiny has run its course), dah putus hubungan (have broken off the relationship), and dah bepisah (have separated) within the community. An analysis from a cognitive semantic point of view allows for a more systematic description of the MMS' way of thinking, for example, through the image schema of Containment, Path and Source-Path-Goals, conceptual metaphors of DIVORCE IS A LOSS, MARRIAGE IS A JOURNEY and DIVORCE IS THE END OF A JOURNEY, DIVORCE IS A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP, and the metonymy BROKEN BOND SYMBOLIZES THE DIVORCE BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE, as well as SEPARATION SYMBOLIZES DIVORCE. This study also explains the relationship between euphemistic meanings and the MMS' experience and knowledge about divorce, which is based on the Malay culture and their belief in God's provision in human life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]